Bury

Goalkeeper

James Fletcher, born in Bury and signed from Carlisle United, played in goal in Exeter City’s first professional game against Millwall in the Southern League in 1908. He gave way after ten games to former England ‘keeper Jack Robinson and returned to Lancashire at the end of the season.  

After playing local football in Bury, James signed professional forms for Oldham Athletic before moving having stints with Bury, Lancaster Town and Carlisle United (1907/08) where he was a member of the team that finished runners-up in the Lancashire Combination and reached the second round proper of the FA Cup against Grimsby Town.

James joined Exeter City in 1908 in what was the club’s first season as a professional outfit. He played in the very first game - a 2-2 draw at Millwall - and retained his place in the side until England international Jack Robinson took over for the game against Plymouth Argyle in November 1908.

Appearing just once more for City in the Southern League - in the return fixture at Home Park in March 1909 - James returned to Lancashire and saw out his career with Rossendale United, Heywood United, Hyde and Chester.

Additional information from Martin O'Connor.

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