Jim Holton

Early years

Holton was born in Lesmahagow, South Lanarkshire, and trained with Celtic as a youngster but was not offered a contract. At the age of 16 Holton had trials with West Bromwich Albion who signed him as an amateur in December 1967. He then signed a professional contract four months later. He progressed steadily through the junior and youth teams over the next three years. However he never made it past playing for their reserve side in the Central League. At the end of the 1970–71 season he was released by the club.

Shrewsbury Town

Holton was quickly signed by former Manchester United goalkeeper Harry Gregg who was managing Shrewsbury Town in England's third tier. Gregg had been impressed watching Holton in the West Bromwich Albion reserve team. Gregg told Holton when he signed him, "You're going to make it. I'm sure you can make it right to the top too." Holton made his Shrewsbury debut at Bournemouth on the opening day of the 1971–72 season. He quickly became a first-team regular. Shrewsbury sent a letter to the Scottish Football Association to notify new Scotland manager Tommy Docherty that Holton may be of interest for the Scotland national under-23 team. Docherty watched Holton play at Gay Meadow. By the end of his spell at Shrewsbury Holton had appeared in 67 league games scoring four goals.

Manchester United

In December 1972 Docherty replaced Frank O'Farrell managing struggling Manchester United near the bottom of England's top…

International appearances

International goals

Scores and results list Scotland's goal tally first.

Manchester United

Football League Second Division: 1974–75 Scotland

British Home Championship: 1973–74 (shared)