James “Jimmy” Dickson

Dickson was born at Forfar in 1881. Alongside his brother, Alexander, he was a popular player with Forfar Athletic, in the early 1900’s. Whilst playing football part-time, James was employed at Forfar Gas Works. He was also studying, gaining an Honours certificate in Gas Manufacture from the City of London Guilds.

1902 proved to be an important year for James. In May he made the move to Dens Park, initially playing in the “A” team, before making his first team debut against Hibs on the 25th October, Dundee lost 0-3. He scored his first goal for the club, against Partick, in a 3-0 win on the  27th December. In October he got married, and by November had made the short-list to become manager of Carnoustie Gas Works (he was unsuccessful, and remained at Broughty Ferry Gas Works.)

By 1903 James was garnering praise for his performances on the pitch. It was reported that in the first ten Division 1 matches he was involved in, twenty goals had been scored of which he had notched nine.

A league match against Queen’s Park on the 9th January 1904, ultimately drew to a close Dickson’s time with Dundee F.C.. The Dark Blues were two goals down in the first half, when he scored Dundee’s only goal of the match, with a header from a corner kick. During the second half, whilst stretching to gain control of the ball he slipped, his opponent standing on his shin, breaking his leg below the knee. Dickson was quickly moved to the Pavilion, where two doctors set his leg in splints, he was then taken to Victoria Hospital. Upon being discharged on the 28th January, he travelled back to Dundee with the Celtic team (who were Dundee’s opponents the following day.) There had been no hint of malicious play in the unfortunate incident. This was backed up by a letter James sent, from his hospital bed, to the Secretary of Queen’s Park, in which after thanking the club for their help and kindness, he said “It was an awful pity such an accident happened in a game so free from rough play.”

A move to Dunfermline in September, to become manager of the gas works, encouraged a rumour that he would soon be signing for the Pars. However, in December he became a Hearts player. A condition was inserted in his contract that if he found that his injured leg hampered him from playing, the contract could be cancelled with a months notice.

Fate still had one more cruel trick to play when Dickson broke the same leg, in February 1905, playing against Broxburn Shamrock. By April he had still not recovered, this finally bringing about the end of his playing career.

Whilst he was a talented footballer, he also enjoyed cricket, playing for Strathmore, Kelburne & Paisley.

In 1924  there was a final move back to Dundee, to take up the role of engineer, and manager, of Dundee Gas Works, where he worked until his retirement in 1947. James Dickson died aged 83 on 24th March 1964.