Registered on Hampshire League forms in August 1897, James Steele was one of the players drafted into United League action, late in that 1897-98 season, as all 10 outfield players were rested, following their participation, the previous Thursday, in an FA Cup semi-final replay. But outside-left Steele was not registered for that League. The club had twice sinned: they had fielded a below-strength side; and it included an ineligible player. So, even though Southampton lost 7-0 to Spurs, they were fined £5 and had two points deducted. Steele left at the end of a season in which he had appeared nine times in his designated League. His Scottish-born father had been a marine engineer and James following in his father’s footsteps by working as a steam engine fitter in Thornycrofts shipyard during WW1.