Jimmy Dunn (footballer, born 1900)

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James Dunn (25 November 1900 – August 1963), nicknamed “ginger” for his red hair, was a Scottish footballer who played mainly as inside right. He is best remembered for being part of Scotland’s famous Wembley Wizards.

Dunn began his senior career at St Anthony’s before moving to Hibernian in 1920. He spent eight years with Hibs, helping them reach the Scottish Cup finals in 1923 and 1924 (finishing as runners-up on both occasions). In 1928 he joined Everton, where he stayed for seven seasons. With Everton he won the Second Division and then the First Division in consecutive seasons, and he scored in the club’s 1933 FA Cup final victory. He made a strong contribution for Everton, scoring many goals in league play.

After leaving Everton in 1935, Dunn joined Exeter City, becoming the club’s record signing, before finishing his playing days with Runcorn and moving into coaching.

Internationally, Dunn earned six caps for Scotland between 1925 and 1928, scoring two goals. He also played once for the Scottish League XI in 1922. He debuted for Scotland in a 3–1 win over Wales at Tynecastle. His 1928 Wembley appearance is especially noted because Scotland beat England 5–1 in a match that helped fuel the Wembley Wizards legend, a forward line celebrated for its small players and big defiance.

Dunn’s family also carried footballing talent: his son Jimmy Dunn Jr. played for Wolverhampton Wanderers in their 1949 FA Cup victory, and his great-great-nephew is footballer Alex Harris.