James Simpson (8 December 1923 â 1 May 2010) was an English professional footballer who played as an inside forward in the Football League for Chesterfield and in non-League football for Buxton, and as a wartime guest for Stoke City.
Born in Clay Cross, Derbyshire, Simpson started his career with Parkhouse Colliery where he also worked as a miner. In 1946 he signed professional terms for Football League Second Division side Chesterfield where he went on to make three league appearances during the 1946âÂÂ47 season, including a 2âÂÂ0 win over Manchester United. In January 1948, he signed for Cheshire County League side Buxton, also returning to face work at Parkhouse Colliery. In 1948, he suffered a fall in the mine and was crushed causing a severe back injury which curtailed his football career.
After retiring from full-time football, he worked for North East Derbyshire District Council as a driver until retirement. He died on 1 May 2010 in Matlock, Derbyshire at the age of 86.