Jim Platt may not have commanded the international headlines like his contemporary and Northern Ireland goalkeeping counterpart Pat Jennings. Indeed, had he been born in an era without Jennings, his tally of 23 international caps might have been significantly higher, yet he still played his part in one of Northern Ireland’s proudest moments—winning the last ever British Home Championship in 1984.
PART ONE
Jim Platt was born on January 26, 1952, in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, and his early years between the posts hinted at the promising career that lay ahead. However, football is a game of fine margins, and an early humbling experience in a junior match—when Kenny McKillop fired three goals past him from outside the box—may have tested his resolve, but it did not deter him. Instead, it was the making of him.
Platt’s club career is synonymous with Middlesbrough, where he spent the bulk of his playing days. Having joined the Teesside club in 1971, he soon established himself as a reliable presence between the sticks, showcasing his agility and shot-stopping ability under the guidance of manager Stan Anderson. However, it was under Jack Charlton that Platt truly flourished, as he became a key figure in the side that stormed to the Second Division title in the 1973-74 season.
What’s more, Middlesbrough’s dominance that campaign was remarkable—they won the league by a staggering 15 points, conceding just 30 goals in 42 matches. Platt’s performances were integral to this defensive solidity, with the big Northern Irishman keeping 23 clean sheets along the way. In particular, his command of the penalty area and calmness under pressure made him an invaluable asset for Charlton’s well-drilled unit.
Once in the First Division, Platt remained a consistent figure in goal, helping Middlesbrough consolidate their top-flight status across the next few seasons. Despite their inability to push for major silverware, they remained a tough side to break down, with Platt often proving to be the difference between a point and a defeat.
Despite his club consistency, Platt’s international career was a tale of limited opportunities, not due to a lack of ability but rather the presence of the great Pat Jennings. Consequently, Platt often found himself as second choice, a fate that would have left many players disheartened. However, he remained a committed servant to the Northern Ireland national team, featuring whenever Jennings was unavailable or rested.
His greatest moment with Northern Ireland came in 1984 when he was part of the squad that secured the last-ever British Home Championship title. With victories over Scotland and Wales and a goalless draw against England, Northern Ireland lifted the trophy—a moment of immense pride for Platt and his teammates. Even though he was largely a backup, being part of a side that defeated some of British football’s heavyweights was a fitting reward for his years of dedication.
As Middlesbrough underwent changes in the early 1980s, Platt began to seek new challenges. He had brief spells at Hartlepool United and Cardiff City, before returning to his native Northern Ireland to play for Ballymena United. Though these stints lacked the glamour of his Middlesbrough days, they allowed him to transition into the next phase of his career—management.
PART TWO
Platt took his first managerial role with Ballymena United in the 1984-85 season, though it was a short-lived tenure. However, he found a more stable role with Coleraine, where he managed for six years from 1985 to 1991. Under his stewardship, Coleraine remained a competitive force in the Irish League, though major honours eluded them.
Following his time at Coleraine, Platt had a brief stint with Ballyclare before taking on a surprising challenge in Sweden, managing Assyriska in the Swedish First Division for the 1992-93 season. The experience broadened his footballing horizons, but he soon returned to England, where he managed Darlington in two separate spells, one alongside David Hodgson. Although success was limited, his knowledge of the game was evident, and he later took up coaching roles, including working with Gateshead.
Beyond management, Platt remained actively involved in football development. He became Middlesbrough’s Chief Coach at their Football Community Centre, where he helped nurture young talent in the Teesside area. His passion for grassroots football also saw him establish a private football school, ensuring that his vast experience was passed down to the next generation.
In May 2009, Platt was appointed goalkeeping coach at Darlington, though his tenure was short-lived following the sacking of manager Colin Todd. Nevertheless, his impact on the game had already been cemented through his years of playing, coaching, and managing.
Footballing ability clearly runs in the Platt family, as his niece, Angela Platt, carved out an impressive career as a goalkeeper for both the Ireland women’s national field hockey team and the Northern Ireland women’s national football team. His nephew, David Platt (not to be confused with the England international of the same name), also followed in his footsteps, playing as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Limavady United, Finn Harps, and Derry City before stepping into management with Coleraine and Limavady United.
Outside football, Platt made a significant move into local politics, proving that his leadership skills extended beyond the football field. In 2019, he was elected to Middlesbrough Council, representing the Kader ward as part of the Middlesbrough Independent Councillors Association. In 2023, he was re-elected, further demonstrating his commitment to serving the community.