Scotsman Jimmy Soye played his football, first and last, in the north of Ireland, either side of his adventures in England and his home-land. His first Irish spell, spent with three Belfast clubs, climaxed in a triple-trophy season with Distillery, playing alongside, another future Saint, Robert Johnston.

Four years in England then followed, beginning at Southern League Southampton. His one Dell season of 1905-06 was not a huge success – in and out of the side, chopping and changing positions and seldom among the goals – yet Newcastle whisked him off, at the end of it, to the First Division. In three seasons at St James’ Park, during which Newcastle twice won the championship, Jimmy made but seven appearances. Which prompted a return to Scotland – for five seasons in the Scottish First Division with Aberdeen. He had played more than 200 games for the Dons – and one for the Scottish League v the Southern League – by the time “official” football was suspended in 1915. Jimmy thereupon returned to Belfast, where the suspension also applied. After a reunion with Distillery, he was re-instated as an amateur to play for Glenavon, in Lurgan. After the War, he remained in that area, where he became a farmer.