Jim “Jimmy” Binning was a Scottish Footballer who played for Arbroath and Dumfries side Queen of the South.
Born on 21st December 1922 in Blantyre, he lived above Kelly’s Bar at number 10 Auchinraith Road. The son of James Binning, who rented that property.
His interest and passion in football started from an early age, living close to the local football ground at Blantyre Vics. It was little wonder that a career in football and sports awaited him.
By the time he was 20, he had been signed by Arbroath. From season 1948-49 until his departure Binning scored six goals in his 84 league games for Arbroath. Binning was a 1951 signing from Arbroath for Queen of the South. Half a century later another distinguished player would make the same journey, Jim Thomson. Binning gave Queens seven years service at full-back, playing 288 senior games for Queens.
When Binning arrived at Queens already there were Scotland cap Billy Houliston, goalkeeper Roy Henderson, fellow full back Dougie Sharpe and forward Jim Patterson (251 strikes makes Patterson the goals king of Queens). Goal scoring winger Bobby Black joined in 1952. At different levels all six would be selected to represent Scotland except Henderson who was selected six times as reserve goalkeeper. After winning the Scottish League ‘B’ division in 1951 Binning played in the early and mid-1950s period of Queens regular top division mid table finishes. This was under the management of Jimmy McKinnell Junior. He soon fell under an international spotlight.
Binning was recognised internationally when he was given a Scottish League XI cap in 1954, against the English League at Stamford Bridge. Although selected for the 22 man squad for the 1954 FIFA World Cup, the Scottish Football Association only budgeted to take 13 players (including only one goalkeeper) to the finals in Switzerland. Binning was one of the players who stayed at home on reserve with the likes of Bobby Combe and Ernie Copland. Ex-Queens inside forward George Hamilton did travel after Bobby Johnstone with drew through injury.
Jim passed away in the early 1990’s, we remember the talents and sporting accomplishment of this “son of Blantyre”.
Sources: Wikipedia and Michael Gillan.
Featuring Blantyre Project Social Media with permission. Strictly not for use by others on or offline, our visitors said:
Kevin Irving Lovley article about Jimmy. I hope you dint mind i would like to share this on a couple of FB pages. I am from Dumfries and a Qos FC fan living in Blantyre. Watch out for myself and my two boy’s wearing the queens strip aroun Blantyre.
Blantyre Project go for it! I like to see people outwith Blantyre sharing posts.
Sandy Duff Grew up watching Jimmy he was a no nonsense and great full back. A QOS great.
George Irving He was a great player I watching him play when I was at school he did not take any prisoner’s a great fullback
Sorry my Dad was born in 1922 my mistake.
Please be aware, there is a mystery here as there is only one James Binning born in Lanarkshire between 1920 and 1928 and that was in 1922. There are no Blantyre births for surname Binning in that whole period otherwise. I’ll go with your date though given you are family.
My father Jimmy Binning passed away 28 years ago. I have only read this today and I am delighted at the comments . He was a dedicated player and I remember travelling around the different football stadiums with my mum supporting him. All articles that I have read about my dad states that his name was Ian “Jimmy” being a nickname but that was not correct, his name was Jim Binning and he was born on 21st December 1925.
Hi Janette – I will update these appreciated corrections just now in the main article. I’ve also updated them in the forthcoming book, “Blantyre People” as there is a half page article and photo of Jim. Thank you. I’m glad ive caught this in time before publication. Paul
Hi Paul
I have read the article on my father Jimmy Binning and his successful career as a footballer. I am delighted with the comments from some of the supporters he would have been proud and very thankful to know that he was mentioned in your book.
Can you please tell me where I can purchase this as I would like to show my grandchildren.
Janette Bray