James Morrison McGill, born Glasgow, Scotland, November 27, 1946. A sharp-passing and strong-running midfield combatant, Jimmy McGill exemplified the rugged spirit of Scottish football.
Growing up in the industrial heart of Glasgow, Jimmy McGill’s footballing roots were laid on the rough grounds of Possilpark YMCA, where he showcased early promise. By 1965, alongside his teammate John Corr, McGill had caught the attention of Arsenal. His move to the prestigious London club marked a significant step in his career. However, McGill’s introduction to English football was a slow one. His debut came in May 1966 against Leeds United, a match more memorable for the record-low attendance at Highbury than the game itself. Despite this quiet start, McGill managed ten league appearances and two League Cup outings for Arsenal. Yet, opportunities in the Arsenal first team were limited. As a result, McGill sought greener pastures, and in September 1967, he transferred to Huddersfield Town for £10,000. This move would soon become one of the defining chapters of his career.
At Huddersfield, McGill quickly established himself as a mainstay in the midfield. His no-nonsense approach to the game, combined with his ability to control play, made him indispensable. During the 1969-70 season, McGill was an ever-present figure as Huddersfield Town won the Second Division title, earning promotion to the top flight. His partnership with the prolific striker Frank Worthington, who scored 28 goals that season, was pivotal. Moreover, McGill’s role in the team wasn’t just about breaking up play; he also contributed offensively, adding four goals to his name that season. In the following 1970-71 season, Huddersfield found themselves in the First Division. McGill played in nearly every match, helping the Terriers to a respectable 15th-place finish. However, despite his importance to the team, contractual disputes began to surface. The rugged midfielder demanded a pay rise, and when the club was unwilling to meet his demands, his time at Huddersfield came to an abrupt end. After over 170 appearances, McGill made the move to Hull City in October 1971.
At Hull City, Jimmy McGill became a key player under manager Terry Neill. His £55,000 transfer fee highlighted the Tigers’ belief in his abilities. McGill was immediately slotted into the midfield and played a crucial role throughout the 1971-72 season. Although City struggled in the early part of the campaign, McGill helped orchestrate a mid-season revival, which saw Hull improve their league position and enjoy a strong run in the FA Cup. The following season, McGill continued to be a fixture in the team. He added another memorable moment to his career by scoring in a resounding 6-2 victory over Preston North End in January 1973. Although Hull’s form faltered, leaving them to drift in mid-table, McGill’s contributions were undeniable. His versatility came to the fore during the 1973-74 season, playing not only in midfield but also as a right back and left back when required. Nevertheless, by the 1974-75 season, McGill’s time at Hull was starting to wind down. Following Terry Neill’s departure for Tottenham Hotspur and John Kaye’s appointment as manager, McGill found himself in and out of the team. This inconsistency led to his departure from Hull in 1975.
After leaving Hull, McGill moved to Halifax Town, where he played 11 games before taking an interesting detour in his career. In 1976, he crossed the Atlantic to join San Diego Jaws in the North American Soccer League (NASL), teaming up with Trevor Hockey in midfield. His time in America was short-lived, though, and he returned to Halifax for the 1976-77 season. McGill’s career wound down in Australia, where he played for George Cross in Melbourne, before briefly appearing for Frickley Athletic. By the late 1970s, McGill had hung up his boots, choosing to return to the welding profession he had learned in his youth. After his playing days, McGill settled in the Huddersfield area, resuming his welding career. Sadly, after a long illness, he passed away in March 2015 in a Leeds hospital, leaving behind memories of a tough yet talented midfielder who gave his all in every match. McGill’s legacy lies not in silverware or individual accolades but in his tireless work ethic, his adaptability, and the respect he garnered from teammates and fans alike. He was a footballer who thrived on the challenge of competition, and his journey through football is a testament to the resilience needed to succeed in the sport’s often unforgiving world.