Imposing defender, Jim Holton was born on 11th April 1951 in Scotland. The centre back spent his early career at West Bromwich Albion but unfortunately he didn’t get the breakthrough at The Hawthorns. After being released by WBA, Jim finally made his professional debut for Shrewsbury Town in 1972 and he established himself as a first team regular which caught the eye of then Scotland manager Tommy Docherty.

By 1973, both Tommy Doc and big Jim would be at Manchester United and the uncompromising defender became a firm favourite with the Old Trafford crowd. You could often hear the chant ‘Six foot two, eyes of blue, big Jim Holton’s after you!’ bellowing from the Stretford End despite being 6ft 1 and having brown eyes. During this period, Holton was capped 15 times by Scotland and scored two goals but a severe leg break in 1974 cut short his Man Utd and international career.

In the late 70’s Jim had spells with Sunderland and Coventry City and spent time in the NASL with Miami Toros and Detroit Express before retiring in 1981. Sadly big Jim would pass away aged just 42 years after suffering a severe heart attack.