James Wilson (footballer, born 1995)

Born in Biddulph, Staffordshire,{{Hugman|26424|access-date=15 February 2018}} Wilson was first scouted by Manchester United at the age of seven. He came through the club's youth academy, and made his first appearance for the under-18s as a 14-year-old in a friendly against Slovak side Tatran Prešov on 31 October 2010.{{cite web |title=James Wilson |url=http://home.gethome.no/redstat/?PlayerNo=1535 |publisher=redStat |access-date=11 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512223152/http://home.gethome.no/redstat/?PlayerNo=1535 |archive-date=12 May 2014 }} After making his competitive debut for the under-18s against West Bromwich Albion on 5 February 2011, he made a further three league appearances for the team during the 2010–11 season, scoring in the third, a 2–1 home defeat to Everton. After scoring twice in the 2011 Milk Cup, in which Manchester United finished runners-up, Wilson suffered a broken ankle in the second game of the 2011–12 season that kept him out for nearly five months. On his return, he became a regular in the under-18s during the second half of the season, scoring five times in 13 league appearances and twice in the FA Youth Cup. He also made his debut for the reserves during the season, coming on as a 61st-minute substitute for Frédéric Veseli in a 1–0 defeat away to West Bromwich Albion on 6 March 2012.

In July 2012, Wilson extended his stay at Old Trafford, signing as an academy scholar. He started the 2012–13 season as a regular in the under-18s, and although it took him five games to score his first goal of the season, he caught up quickly with five goals in that fifth game against Newcastle United on 22 September 2012, the second-most goals scored by a Manchester United player at any level during the tenure of manager Sir Alex Ferguson. After scoring a further five goals in his next four competitive appearances, he was rewarded with his first professional contract on his 17th-birthday, and celebrated by scoring twice in a 4–2 home win over Southampton that same day. Although he was ruled out by injury from the middle of January to the start of March 2013, he still finished the season as the under-18s' top scorer with 14 goals in 18 league appearances.

File:James Wilson of MUFC.jpg in 2015]]

Despite playing a prominent role in the reserves' pre-season campaign ahead of the 2013–14 season, Wilson continued as a regular in the under-18s, scoring seven goals in six consecutive appearances at the start of the season (including three in UEFA Youth League fixtures against Bayer Leverkusen and Shakhtar Donetsk), adding another in the reserves' 3–3 Manchester Senior Cup draw with Bury. He became more involved with the reserves in the second half of the season, and after scoring a hat-trick in a 3–0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on 10 March 2014, Wilson was given his first taste of first-team action on 5 April with a place on the bench for the 4–0 away win over Newcastle United. He made his senior debut a month later when he started a Premier League match at home to Hull City on 6 May and marked the occasion with two goals in a 3–1 win, a half-volley at the near post and a rebounded goal from a Marouane Fellaini shot, before being replaced by Robin van Persie in the 64th-minute.{{cite news |title=Manchester United striker James Wilson revels in dream debut |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/may/07/james-wilson-manchester-united-dream-debut |work=theguardian.com |publisher=Guardian News and Media |date=7 May 2014 |access-date=8 May 2014}}{{cite news |first=Simon |last=Stone |title=Man Utd 3–1 Hull |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27200334 |website=BBC Sport |date=6 May 2014 |access-date=11 May 2014}} On 7 August 2014, Wilson scored all four goals, including three in the second half, in the under-21s' 4–1 victory over Manchester City in the Manchester Senior Cup final.{{cite news |first=Adam |last=Marshall |title=MSC: City 1 United Reserves 4 |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/Players-And-Staff/Reserves/Reserves-News/2014/Aug/match-report-manchester-senior-cup-final-city-v-united.aspx |website=ManUtd.com |publisher=Manchester United |date=7 August 2014 |access-date=8 August 2014}}

Wilson's first goal of the 2014–15 season came on 17 January, when he came on as a substitute for Jonny Evans and scored in added time at the end of a 2–0 win at Queens Park Rangers.{{cite news |last1=McNulty |first1=Phil |title=QPR 0–2 Man Utd |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30758389 |access-date=18 January 2015 |website=BBC Sport |date=17 January 2015}} In September 2015, he signed a new contract with the club until June 2019, with an option to extend for a further year.{{cite news |title=Wilson Signs New Contract At United |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2015/Sep/james-wilson-signs-new-deal-with-manchester-united.aspx |website=ManUtd.com |publisher=Manchester United |date=25 September 2015 |access-date=25 September 2015}} However, he left the club on loan two months later, leading to criticism of manager Louis van Gaal, who defended his decision by saying "I think for him it's better to play at his age than sit on the bench"; assistant manager Ryan Giggs, who had given Wilson his debut, was reportedly frustrated with van Gaal's decision.{{cite news |title=Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal defends James Wilson loan |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/10080658/manchester-united-boss-louis-van-gaal-defends-james-wilson-loan-move |access-date=7 June 2021 |work=Sky Sports |date=27 November 2015 }}{{cite news |last1=Quarrell |first1=Dan |title=Ryan Giggs 'frustrated' by Manchester United's treatment of James Wilson - report |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/premier-league/2015-2016/ryan-giggs-frustrated-by-manchester-uniteds-treatment-of-james-wilson_sto5006859/story.shtml |access-date=7 June 2021 |work=Eurosport UK |date=28 November 2015 }} Wilson was not included in the first-team during José Mourinho's time as manager from May 2016 onwards and was released at the end of the 2018–19 season.{{cite news |first=Daniel |last=Murphy |title=James Wilson sends classy message after Manchester United release |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-united-transfer-news-wilson-16449324 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=18 June 2019 |access-date=19 June 2019 }}{{cite news |last1=Bellshaw |first1=George |title=Mourinho to tell Man Utd man to leave the club this summer |url=https://metro.co.uk/2016/06/23/jose-mourinho-to-tell-james-wilson-to-leave-manchester-united-on-loan-next-season-5963629/ |access-date=7 June 2021 |work=Metro |date=23 June 2016 }}

On 26 November 2015, Wilson joined Championship club Brighton & Hove Albion on a loan deal until the end of the 2015–16 season.{{cite news |title=Brighton sign Wilson & Van La Parra |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34938160 |access-date=7 June 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=26 November 2015}} He made his debut for the Seagulls two days later, replacing Bobby Zamora for the final 24 minutes of a 2–1 win over Birmingham City at the Falmer Stadium, and came close to scoring after hitting the post.{{cite news |title=Brighton & Hove Albion 2–1 Birmingham |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34887113 |access-date=26 February 2016 |website=BBC Sport |date=28 November 2015}} Wilson made his first league start for Brighton on 5 December, and scored his first goal for the club, as they came from 2–0 down to defeat Charlton Athletic 3–2.{{cite news |title=Brighton & Hove Albion 3–2 Charlton Athletic |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34951482 |access-date=26 February 2016 |website=BBC Sport |date=5 December 2015}} He scored his second goal for Brighton a week later on 12 December, in a 2–2 draw with Derby County.{{cite news |title=Derby County 2-2 Brighton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35013586 |access-date=7 June 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=12 December 2015}} Wilson featured in both legs of Brighton's Championship play-off semi-final defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, coming on as a substitute in the first leg for Tomer Hemed and starting in the second leg.{{cite news |last1=Cartwright |first1=Phil |title=Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 Brighton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36238770 |access-date=7 June 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=13 May 2016}}{{cite news |last1=Cartwright |first1=Phil |title=Brighton 1-1 Sheffield Wed (1-3 agg) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36244725 |access-date=7 June 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=16 May 2016}} Wilson made a total of 28 appearances for Brighton in all competitions throughout his loan spell, scoring five league goals, and manager Chris Hughton said that he was returning to Manchester United as a better player.{{Cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/10508549/james-wilson-still-has-manchester-united-future-but-could-head-out-on-loan |title=James Wilson still has Manchester United future but could head out on loan |publisher=Sky Sports |work=Lyall Thomas |date=21 July 2016}}{{cite news |last1=Topliss |first1=Ben |title=Chris Hughton: James Wilson will go back to Man United a better player |url=https://thepeoplesperson.com/2016/05/14/chris-hughton-james-wilson-will-go-back-to-man-united-a-better-player-149398/ |access-date=8 June 2021 |work=thepeoplesperson.com |date=14 May 2016 }}

On 20 August 2016, Wilson joined Championship club Derby County on a loan deal lasting until the end of the 2016–17 season.{{cite news |first=Mark |last=Froggatt |title=Wilson set to join Derby County on loan |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2016/Aug/United-striker-James-Wilson-to-join-Derby-County-on-loan.aspx |website=ManUtd.com |publisher=Manchester United |date=20 August 2016 |access-date=20 August 2016}} He made his debut for the Rams six days later, coming on as a 56th-minute substitute for Jacob Butterfield in a 1–0 defeat.{{cite news |last1=Aloia |first1=Andrew |title=Burton Albion 1-0 Derby County |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37127365 |access-date=8 June 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=26 August 2016}} Manager Nigel Pearson gave him his first start on 10 September, in a

2–0 defeat to Newcastle United at Pride Park Stadium.{{cite news |title=Derby County 0-2 Newcastle United |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37263306 |access-date=8 June 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=10 September 2016}} On 17 October, Wilson suffered a serious knee injury and returned to Manchester United for treatment, his loan spell subsequently being cut short.{{cite news |title=Wilson suffers serious knee injury |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37734103 |access-date=7 June 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=21 October 2016}} Newly appointed Derby manager Steve McClaren said that "it's incredibly disappointing news... [but] he will bounce back from this disappointment. As well as being a very good player, he is also a strong and determined character".{{cite news |title=James Wilson facing lengthy spell out after suffering serious knee injury |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/james-wilson-facing-lengthy-spell-out-after-suffering-serious-knee-injury-35151305.html |access-date=8 June 2021 |work=Belfast Telegraph |date=21 October 2016}}

On 10 January 2018, Wilson completed a loan move to Championship club Sheffield United until the end of the 2017–18 season.{{cite news |title=Sheffield United FC |url=https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2018/january/double-swoop/ |access-date=7 June 2021 |date=10 January 2018}} He made his debut at Bramall Lane two days later as a 66th-minute substitute for Clayton Donaldson against Sheffield Wednesday in the Steel City derby, which ended in a 0–0 draw.{{cite news |title=Sheffield United 0-0 Sheffield Wednesday |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42574669 |access-date=8 June 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=12 January 2018}} He made his first start eight days later, and scored the opening goal of a 2–1 victory at Norwich City, earning praise for his work rate after the game from manager Chris Wilder.{{cite news |last1=Nieboer |first1=Leo |title=Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder delighted with James Wilson's goalscoring debut |url=https://thepeoplesperson.com/2018/01/23/sheffield-united-manager-chris-wilder-delighted-with-james-wilsons-goalscoring-debut-193763/ |access-date=8 June 2021 |work=thepeoplesperson.com |date=23 January 2018 }} This would be the only goal of his nine appearances for the Blades.

On 13 August 2018, Wilson joined Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen on loan for the rest of the 2018–19 season.{{cite news |first=Adam |last=Marshall |title=James Wilson completes loan move to Aberdeen |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-united-striker-james-wilson-completes-loan-deal-to-aberdeen |website=ManUtd.com |publisher=Manchester United |date=13 August 2018 |access-date=13 August 2018}} He scored his first goal for the Dons on 22 September, in a 1–0 win against Motherwell at Pittodrie.{{cite news |title=Wilson goal gives Dons win over Well |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45529875 |access-date=8 June 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=22 September 2018}} He ended the campaign with four league goals from 12 starts and 12 substitute appearances, including a substitute appearance in the League Cup final defeat to Celtic at Hampden Park.{{cite news |title=Celtic v Aberdeen: Scottish League Cup final – as it happened |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2018/dec/02/celtic-v-aberdeen-scottish-league-cup-final-live?page=with:block-5c040c84e4b04b34b3e5f2a2 |access-date=15 June 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=2 December 2018 }} On 3 July 2019, Wilson joined Aberdeen on a permanent basis, signing a two-year contract.{{cite web|title=James Wilson makes Aberdeen return after Man United release|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48857309|website=BBC Sport|date=3 July 2019|access-date=3 July 2019}} Manager Derek McInnes said that "we feel that he showed glimpses towards the end of last season how effective a player he can be and what a positive impact he can have on the team".{{cite news |title=Derek McInnes thrilled as James Wilson joins Aberdeen on permanent deal |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/derek-mcinnes-thrilled-james-wilson-joins-aberdeen-permanent-deal |access-date=8 June 2021 |work=fourfourtwo.com |date=3 July 2019 }} He played 16 games without scoring a goal in the first half of the 2019–20 season.

On 31 January 2020, he returned to England and signed at 18-month contract with League Two club Salford City.{{cite web |title=Salford sign ex-Manchester United forward James Wilson and defender Ash Eastham |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51326310 |website=BBC Sport |date=31 January 2020 |access-date=5 February 2020}} He made his debut in a 3–2 defeat to Plymouth Argyle at Moor Lane on 11 February, scoring two goals after coming on as a substitute, which he described as "bittersweet".{{cite web |title=Salford 2-3 Plymouth: Bittersweet debut for former Man United man |url=https://www.salfordcitynews.co.uk/sport/18229731.salford-2-3-plymouth-bittersweet-debut-former-man-united-man/ |work=Salford City News |publisher=Newsquest |date=12 February 2020 |access-date=12 February 2020}} He made a further five appearances for Graham Alexander's Ammies in what remained of the 2019–20 campaign. He picked up his first honour after playing in the 2020 EFL Trophy final at Wembley Stadium, where Salford beat Portsmouth on penalties following a 0–0 draw. However, he did not take part in the shoot-out as he was replaced by Luke Burgess on 87 minutes.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56320947 |title=Portsmouth 0–0 Salford City |first=Adam |last=Williams |website=BBC Sport |date=13 March 2021 |access-date=14 March 2021}} He was released by new manager Gary Bowyer after scoring eight goals from 29 games in the 2020–21 season.{{cite news |title=Salford striker Wilson released by club |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57128657 |access-date=8 June 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=15 May 2021}}

File:James Wilson Accrington Celebration.jpg

On 7 June 2021, Salford's League Two rivals Port Vale announced they had signed the player on a two-year contract; manager Darrell Clarke stated that "his pedigree is fantastic and I'm sure he will prove a great attacking threat for us next season".{{cite news |title=Wilson to join Port Vale from Salford |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57386402 |access-date=7 June 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=7 June 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Port Vale boss on 'fantastic pedigree' of new signing James Wilson |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-boss-fantastic-pedigree-5499662 |access-date=7 June 2021 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=7 June 2021 }} He scored his first goal for the "Valiants" on 18 September, in a 2–0 win over Harrogate Town at Vale Park, and was praised by Clarke for his work-rate in the post-match interview.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=James Wilson's Port Vale message after Harrogate win |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/james-wilson-port-vale-harrogate-5937672 |access-date=20 September 2021 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=18 September 2021 }} He started 12 of Vale's first 14 league games of the 2021–22 campaign, building up his fitness from playing the opening 65, 70 or 75 minutes to last 90 minutes twice in a week.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=James Wilson's verdict on start to season with Port Vale |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/james-wilson-port-vale-colchester-6107569 |access-date=25 October 2021 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=25 October 2021 }} He scored a hat-trick in a 5–1 victory over Accrington Stanley in an FA Cup first round match on 6 November.{{cite news |title=Port Vale 5-1 Accrington Stanley |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59180195 |access-date=8 November 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=6 November 2021}} He had scored five goals in four games, when he was sidelined for 'several weeks' with a broken foot.{{cite news |title=Former United talent James Wilson finds form with five goals in four games |url=https://www.unitedinfocus.com/news/former-united-talent-james-wilson-finds-form-with-five-goals-in-four-games/ |access-date=18 November 2021 |work=United In Focus |date=16 November 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Darrell Clarke confirms injury blow for Port Vale's James Wilson |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-james-wilson-injury-6226542 |access-date=18 November 2021 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=18 November 2021 }} He returned to action in the new year and scored his tenth goal in March; acting manager Andy Crosby praised his strike partnership with Jamie Proctor and said that: "there is more to come from Willo... he appreciates the surroundings, the culture, the environment we have got".{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Andy Crosby highlights James Wilson spell and Port Vale partnership |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/incredible-james-wilson-spell-helped-6832437 |access-date=20 March 2022 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=19 March 2022 }} He scored both of Vale's goals in the play-off semi-final tie with Swindon Town, and also converted the opening penalty kick in the ensuing penalty shoot-out victory.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Port Vale heading to Wembley after dramatic shoot-out win over Swindon |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-heading-wembley-after-7105187 |access-date=20 May 2022 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=19 May 2022 }} He was named as man of the match in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium as Vale secured promotion with a 3–0 victory over Mansfield Town; Michael Baggaley of The Sentinel wrote that Wilson put in "a classy performance throughout".{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Port Vale player ratings from Wembley win over Mansfield |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-player-ratings-mansfield-7140348 |access-date=28 May 2022 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=28 May 2022 }}

Wilson missed the start of the 2022–23 season with a calf injury and returned to training in September.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Port Vale boss Clarke gives fitness update on Wilson and Proctor |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wilson-proctor-port-vale-fitness-7518934 |access-date=30 August 2022 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=27 August 2022 }} He went on to form an effective strike partnership with new signing Ellis Harrison.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Port Vale praise for James Wilson and Ellis Harrison partnership |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/strike-partnership-worth-more-goals-7704562 |access-date=24 October 2022 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=14 October 2022 }} Wilson scored both goals in a 2–0 win at league leaders Plymouth Argyle on 2 December.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=James Wilson talks Port Vale belief, goals and win at Plymouth |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/james-wilson-talks-port-vale-7895143 |access-date=5 December 2022 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=5 December 2022 |language=en}} Injuries limited him to 27 appearances and three League One goals, and though he was offered a new contract, his departure from the club was confirmed on 14 May 2023.{{cite news |title=Port Vale FC Confirm 2022/23 Retained List |url=https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2023/may/port-vale-fc-confirm-202223-retained-list/ |access-date=9 May 2023 |work = Port Vale F.C. |date=9 May 2023 |language=en-gb}}{{cite news |title=James Wilson to Leave The Valiants |url=https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2023/may/james-wilson-to-leave-the-valiants/ |access-date=15 May 2023 |work = Port Vale F.C. |date=14 May 2023 |language=en-gb}} After joining the club for pre-season training in Spain in July 2023,{{cite news |title=James Wilson training with the Valiants |url=https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2023/july/james-wilson-training-with-the-valiants/ |access-date=19 July 2023 |work = Port Vale F.C. |date=18 July 2023 |language=en-gb}} he agreed to re-join the club on a six-month deal on 4 August.{{cite news |title=Wilson signs up again with Vale on six-month deal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66407821 |access-date=4 August 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=4 August 2023}} New manager Andy Crosby said that "I firmly believe there is much more to come from Willo".{{cite news |title=James Wilson signs short-term contract |url=https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2023/august/james-wilson-signs-short-term-deal/ |access-date=4 August 2023 |work = Port Vale F.C. |date=4 August 2023 |language=en-gb}}

He initially missed games as he worked on regaining his fitness, but scored goals in each of his first two league starts of the 2023–24 season and stated, "I love being back".{{cite news |last1=Youlson |first1=Clive |title=Match-winner James Wilson aims to repay 'love' from fans and coaches |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/match-winner-james-wilson-aims-8708686 |access-date=28 August 2023 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=27 August 2023 |language=en}} However, on 10 October, Wilson sustained a calf injury during a 1–1 draw with Newcastle United U21 and was ruled out of action for around eight weeks.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Mike |title=Injury blows as Port Vale weigh up move for midfielder |url=https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/injury-blows-as-port-vale-weigh-up |access-date=19 October 2023 |work=Valiant's Substack |date=19 October 2023}} Upon his return to fitness, Wilson signed a contract extension to run until the end of the season, with director of football David Flitcroft stating that his "dedication to his recovery behind the scenes was outstanding".{{cite news |title=James Wilson Signs Contract Extension |url=https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2023/december/james-wilson-signs-contract-extension/ |access-date=29 December 2023 |work = Port Vale F.C. |date=29 December 2023 |language=en-gb}} However, he picked up muscle injury on 29 March, which new manager Darren Moore confirmed would see him miss the rest of the season.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Mike |title=Port Vale chief exec talks season tickets, spending and plans |url=https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/port-vale-chief-exec-talks-season |access-date=4 April 2024 |work=Valiant's Substack |date=4 April 2024}} He was not retained at the end of the season.{{cite news |title=2023/24 Retained List |url=https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2024/april/202324-retained-list/ |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=Port Vale F.C. |date=29 April 2024 |language=en-gb}}

On 2 July 2024, Wilson signed for League One club Northampton Town on a one-year contract with the option for a further season.{{cite news |last1=Willsher |first1=Gareth |url=https://www.ntfc.co.uk/news/2024/july/02/james-wilson-signs-for-northampton-town/ |access-date=2 July 2024 |title=James Wilson Signs For Northampton Town|work=Northampton Town FC |date=1 July 2024}}

Wilson made one appearance for the England under-16 team, helping England towards a 10th successive Victory Shield title in a 3–0 win against Northern Ireland in March 2011.[http://www.thefa.com/england/mens-u16s/news/match-centre/2011/northernirelandvengland0311 "Northern Ireland v England"] TheFA.com. 23 March 2011. Retrieved 6 May 2014. In October 2013, Wilson scored on his England under-19 debut in a 6–1 win against Estonia.[http://www.thefa.com/england/mens-u19s/news/match%20centre/2013/estonia-v-england "Estonia v England"] TheFA.com. 5 October 2013. Retrieved 6 May 2014. On 3 September 2015, Wilson scored on his England under-21 debut and only cap in a 1–0 win against the United States.{{cite news |first=Adam |last=Marshall |title=Fellaini and Wilson on target |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2015/Sep/marouane-fellaini-scores-for-belgium-international-round-up.aspx |website=ManUtd.com |publisher=Manchester United |date=3 September 2015 |access-date=3 September 2015}}

{{Quote box

|quote="...there aren't stats to record the times a player draws a gasp of appreciation from a crowd with a velvety first touch, a daring Houdini spin away from a defender or reverse pass that only he and the recipient ever saw was on."|source=— The Sentinel reporter Mike Baggaley wrote about Wilson in October 2023.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Mike |title=Why Port Vale class act James Wilson is more than statistics |url=https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/why-port-vale-class-act-james-wilson |access-date=2 October 2023 |work=Valiant's Substack |date=2 October 2023}}|width=35%

|align=right}}

Wilson is a hard working and intelligent forward.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Tom Pope talks Wilson, Proctor and Port Vale at Bradford |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tom-pope-port-vale-column-6830535 |access-date=20 March 2022 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=19 March 2022 }}

File:James Wilson (2).jpg

{{updated|match played 1 March 2025}}

{{notelist}}

Aberdeen

• Scottish League Cup runner-up: 2018–19{{Soccerway|james-anthony-wilson/314164}}

Salford City

• EFL Trophy: 2019–20

Port Vale

• EFL League Two play-offs: 2022{{cite news |last1=Aloia |first1=Andrew |title=Vale beat 10-man Mansfield to reach League One |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61532410 |access-date=28 May 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=28 May 2022}}

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• [https://www.port-vale.co.uk/teams/first-team/forward2/james-wilson/ Profile] at the Port Vale F.C. website
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{{Northampton Town F.C. squad}}

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Category:1995 births

Category:Living people

Category:People from Biddulph

Category:Footballers from Staffordshire

Category:English men's footballers

Category:England men's youth international footballers

Category:England men's under-21 international footballers

Category:Men's association football forwards

Category:Manchester United F.C. players

Category:Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. players

Category:Derby County F.C. players

Category:Sheffield United F.C. players

Category:Aberdeen F.C. players

Category:Salford City F.C. players

Category:Port Vale F.C. players

Category:Northampton Town F.C. players

Category:Premier League players

Category:English Football League players

Category:Scottish Professional Football League players

Category:21st-century English sportsmen