James McLachlan
James McLachlan
James McLachlan
● James McLachlan, 1912 (SR)

probably born in Scotland

James McLachlan was probably born in Scotland, although his place and date of birth remain unknown to us. *

The midfielder joined George Easton's Thistle in the Autumn of 1910.

He made his debut appearance on Wednesday, 2nd November, 1910, in a 3-2 defeat away to Rangers in a Benefit match.

There were no goals for James during his time with Thistle.

He made his last appearance for the club on Tuesday, 15th October, 1912, in a 6-1 defeat at home to Clyde in the Glasgow & District Mid-Week League, having appeared as a Jag on 5 occasions.

His known club-list included only Partick Thistle.

We don't know where or when James died. *

* If you can help us to improve any of these marked points on The Thistle Archive, then please do get in touch →

Bio Extra

Although he seems to have been more commonly listed as a 'McLaughlin' in both his first and reserve team appearances, several teamlines do have him as McLachlan, and we've plumped for that name largely on account of the portrait in the Scottish Referee in February 1912, the logic being you'd think they'd make their best effort for such a thing?

James could play anywhere along the half-back line, and mainly played with Thistle reserves in his time at the club. He played in the inaugural Scottish Reserve League of 1910-11, and was a key man the following season as Thistle became reserve champions of Scotland. Where he came from and where he went to we're not quite sure but, early in August 1912, he was down to play in the season ahead: "Jas Fletcher, Jas McLaughlan, and Archie Robertson will be available and will play as amateurs" (SR, 02-Aug-1912). Nice little third variation on the spelling there. What can you do?

(WS/JK/ANB)



Historian's note: From John Litster's research we note that there was a 'James W. MacLachlan' who was a product of Rob Roy. He signed with Vale of Leven, 20th September 1909. Played 12 times with them in first class action that term. Registered with them for 3 seasons, but appearances had dried up. Open to Transfer in 1911-12. Then nothing. A 'James McLachlan' from out of nowhere signed for Vale of Leven on 11th August 1916. Registered with them for 2 seasons. Non League by then, so how active he was is unclear. Perhaps these 2 are linked to each other and also to our man. We note that our guy was had amateur status by August 1912, could be he was a former pro, de-registered.


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