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Steve James signed as an apprentice for Manchester United in July 1965
and made his debut some three years later, when still only 18, in a 2-0
defeat at Anfield. James was being groomed as Bill Foulkes' successor
and played in exactly half of the league games in the 1968/69 season,
scoring his first goal in a 3-2 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on
15th March. He also played in both legs of the European Cup
Quarter-Final against Rapid Vienna, which United won 3-0 on aggregate.
Sir Matt Busby stepped down at the end of the season and Wilf McGuinness
was appointed in his place. McGuinness brought Ian Ure to Old Trafford
from Arsenal and James was out of the first team for practically all of
the 1969/70 season. Steve forced his way back into contention the
following season, making 14 appearances as United finished in 8th place
in the league.
McGuinness was sacked in December and the legendary Busby
resumed control until the end of the season before handing over the
reins to Frank O'Farrell, under whom James enjoyed his longest run in
the starting eleven. The side began O'Farrell's reign in great style and
lead the league by 5 points at Christmas. Steve scored his second goal
for the club in a 2-2 home draw with Coventry City on 27th December
1971.
However, he played only once over the subsequent six weeks as the
side's title challenge fell apart. The following season saw the
departure of O'Farrell and the arrival of Tommy Docherty. Steve was
again out of the side for a considerable period though he did return to
play 10 of United's final 12 games of the 1972/73 campaign as United
staved off relegation. Steve was in and out of the side over the next
two years as United were relegated and then promoted. He made his final
appearance in a 4-0 win at home to Blackpool on 26th April 1975 and
reformed links with McGuinness in January 1976 when he left for York
City. (Steve Drabble).
He made his debut for York against West Bromwich Albion in January 1976 He missed the whole of the 1978–79 season with injury.
He made 119 appearances and scored 2 goals for the club, and joined non-league Kidderminster Harriers in May 1980.
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