Potts: James Forster (Jimmy)

1926-1934 (Player Details)

Goalkeeper

Born: Ashington: 25-02-1899

Debut: v Huddersfield Town (a): 27-02-1926

6’1” 12 st 0lb (1930)

Potts was probably United’s best goalkeeper of the inter-war period. He was the brother-in-law of the Milburns and played for Blyth Spartans and worked as a coal-hewer at Ashington Colliery before he joined Leeds as a professional in February 1926, making his debut within two days of signing. He became firmly established at Elland Road, using his marvellous physique to dominate the penalty area. In his first two seasons he saw United be relegated and promoted back to Division One. After eight seasons as the accepted first choice keeper, he was eventually replaced by the younger Stan Moore. Then in May 1934, at the age of thirty-five, he moved to Port Vale for a couple of seasons, during which he hardly missed a game amassing eighty-two League appearances in that time. He died in Northumberland in October 1986.