Jamie McCluskey

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Jamie McCluskey

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1987|11|6|df=y}}

| birth_place = Bellshill, Scotland

| fullname = James McCluskey

| height =

| currentclub =

| clubnumber =

| position = Winger

| years1 = 2003–2007 | caps1 = 19 | goals1 = 0 | clubs1 = Hibernian

| years2 = 2007–2008 | caps2 = 5 | goals2 = 0 | clubs2 = St Johnstone

| years3 = 2009–2010 | caps3 = 21 | goals3 = 0 | clubs3 = Wrexham

| years4 = 2010–2011 | caps4 = 3 | goals4 = 0 | clubs4 = St Mirren

| years5 = 2011 | caps5 = 9 | goals5 = 1 | clubs5 = → Clyde (loan)

| years6 = 2011–2013 | caps6 = 28 | goals6 = 3 | clubs6 = Dundee

| years7 = 2013–2014 | caps7 = 14 | goals7 = 2 | clubs7 = Forfar Athletic

| years8 = 2014–2015 | caps8 = 27 | goals8 = 5 | clubs8 = Greenock Morton

| years9 = 2015–2016 | caps9 = 4 | goals9 = 0 | clubs9 = Stranraer

}}

James McCluskey (born 6 November 1987) is a Scottish former footballer.

McCluskey, who started his career with Hibernian, set a record for the youngest player to play in the Scottish Premier League when he made his senior debut. He has also played for St Johnstone, Wrexham, St Mirren, Clyde, Dundee, Forfar Athletic, Greenock Morton and Stranraer.

Career

McCluskey graduated from the Hibernian youth team and made fourteen first team appearances in the 2004–05 season. When McCluskey made his debut, he became the youngest-ever player to play in the Scottish Premier League.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/st_johnstone/6251548.stm|publisher=BBC Sport website|title=McCluskey moves to St Johnstone|date=28 June 2007}} This record was broken by Scott Robinson of Hearts in April 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.heartsfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/HeartsNewsDetail/0,,10289~1299057,00.html |title=Future is very bright – Frail |publisher=Heart of Midlothian F.C. official website |date=26 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080429180441/http://www.heartsfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/HeartsNewsDetail/0%2C%2C10289~1299057%2C00.html |archivedate=29 April 2008 }}

McCluskey was released by Hibs, however, in the summer of 2007, having had "a difference of opinion" with manager John Collins.{{cite news|last=Hardie|first=David|url=http://www.scotsman.com/hibernianfc/ExHibs-man-McCluskey-looks-to.4297978.jp|title=Ex-Hibs man McCluskey looks to future with old mates|work=Edinburgh Evening News|date=17 July 2008}} Another reason for being released was a lack of first team opportunities{{cite news|title=McCluskey seeking Hibernian exit|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/6434445.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=9 March 2007|accessdate=28 April 2013}}

He was then signed by First Division club St Johnstone. McCluskey suffered terrible injury problems with St Johnstone, breaking the same foot twice.{{cite news|title=Rocco ready to quit Parkhead|url=http://www.perthshireadvertiser.co.uk/perthshire-sport/stjohnstone/2007/12/07/rocco-ready-to-quit-parkhead-73103-20218866/|publisher=Perthshire Advertiser|date=7 December 2007|accessdate=28 April 2013}} In March 2008, having required surgery, McCluskey was ruled out for the rest of the season.{{cite news|title=It's all fright on the night for Jackson|url=http://www.perthshireadvertiser.co.uk/perthshire-sport/stjohnstone/2008/03/14/it-x2019-s-all-fright-on-the-night-for-jackson-73103-20625372/|publisher=Perthshire Advertiser|date=14 March 2008|accessdate=28 April 2013}} He only made five league appearances before being released at the end of the 2007–08 season.[http://www.grange.demon.co.uk/saints/exsquad.htm#jmccluskey Jamie McCluskey], Temple of Saints.

After his release by St Johnstone, McCluskey had a trial period with Serbian club Partizan Belgrade, but he failed to win a contract. He then went on trial with Serie A club Catania,{{cite news|url=http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/-McCluskey39s-Italian-lure.4606922.jp |title=McCluskey's Italian lure|work=Scotland on Sunday |date=19 October 2008}} but eventually signed for Wrexham until the end of the 2008–09 season.[http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10311~1555429,00.html McCluskey signs for rest of season] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003182941/http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10311~1555429,00.html |date=3 October 2011 }}, Wrexham A.F.C. official site, 13 February 2009. After signing a new deal,{{cite news|title=Wrexham duo agree deals at club|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/wrexham/8132786.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=3 July 2009|accessdate=28 April 2013}} he remained with the club for the 2009–10 season, before being released at the end of the season.{{cite news|title=Dean Saunders forced to release 11 Wrexham FC players|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/dean-saunders-forced-release-11-2759597|work=Daily Post|date=30 April 2010|accessdate=28 April 2013}}

In July 2010, McCluskey went on trial at Greenock Morton, playing in trial games against Hamilton Accies, Albion Rovers and a Nigerian touring XI.{{cite news|url=http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/moore-planning-another-trial-run-1.1040335|title=Moore planning another trial run|work=Evening Times|date=9 July 2010|accessdate=18 July 2010|first=Chris|last=Jack}} In the friendly match against the Nigerian side, he scored a penalty in a 4–2 Morton victory. After the trial, manager Allan Moore announced he had ended his interest signing McCluskey.{{cite news|title=Trialists fail to make the cut|url=http://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/articles/2010/07/12/402272-trialists-fail-to-make-the-cut/|work=Greenock Telegraph|date=12 July 2010|accessdate=28 April 2013}}

After failing to win a contract at Morton, McCluskey signed a one-year contract with St Mirren on 24 September 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.saintmirren.tv/articles/20100924/saints-sign-winger_2233570_2164212 |title=Saints sign winger |publisher=St Mirren F.C. official website |date=24 September 2010 |accessdate=24 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304002744/http://www.saintmirren.tv/articles/20100924/saints-sign-winger_2233570_2164212 |archivedate= 4 March 2012 }} Having struggled to get in the first team at St Mirren, he, along with four youngsters, was linked with a temporary move to Irish side Galway United,{{cite news|title=Time could be up for Jamie|url=http://www.paisleydailyexpress.co.uk/renfrewshire-sport/renfrewshire-football/renfrewshire-football-st-mirren/2011/01/29/time-could-be-up-for-jamie-87085-28074756/|publisher=Paisley Daily Express|date=29 January 2011|accessdate=28 April 2013}} but nothing came of it.{{cite news|title=Fringe Saints players gear up for Irish Jig|url=http://www.paisleydailyexpress.co.uk/renfrewshire-sport/renfrewshire-football/renfrewshire-football-st-mirren/2011/02/01/fringe-saints-players-gear-up-for-irish-jig-87085-28087308/|publisher=Paisley Daily Express|date=1 February 2011|accessdate=28 April 2013}}

In March 2011, McCluskey joined Clyde on loan until the end of the season.{{cite web|url=http://www.saintmirren.net/pages/2011/03/winger-out-on-loan/ |title=Winger out on loan |publisher=St Mirren F.C. official website |date=22 March 2011 |accessdate=22 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326153312/http://www.saintmirren.net/pages/2011/03/winger-out-on-loan/ |archivedate=26 March 2011 }}{{cite news|title=McCluskey heads to the Bully Wee|url=http://www.paisleydailyexpress.co.uk/renfrewshire-sport/renfrewshire-football/renfrewshire-football-st-mirren/2011/03/24/mccluskey-heads-to-the-bully-wee-87085-28391497/|publisher=Paisley Daily Express|date=24 March 2011|accessdate=28 April 2013}} He made his debut for the club in a 1–1 draw against Arbroath on 22 March 2011. Seven days later, on 29 March 2011, McCluskey scored his first goal for the club, in a 2–0 win over Annan Athletic. At the end of the season, he had made nine appearances, scoring once before returning to St Mirren, who then released him.{{cite news|title=St Mirren allow 10 to leave club|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13397320|publisher=BBC Sport|date=13 May 2011|accessdate=28 April 2013}}

Ahead of the new season, Dundee signed McCluskey on a one-year deal in July 2011.{{cite news|url=http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/output/2011/07/22/gensport.shtm |title=Winger signs for Dark Blues |work=Evening Telegraph |date=22 July 2011 |accessdate=22 July 2011 |first=Tom |last=Duthie |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316001725/http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/output/2011/07/22/gensport.shtm |archivedate=16 March 2012 }} He made his debut for the club in the opening game of the season, a 1–0 win over Partick Thistle. After eight months at the club, McCluskey scored twice against Livingston in a 3–2 win and scored again in the next match, a 4–1 win over Ayr United, also providing an assist for Ryan Conroy.{{cite news|title=Division Three round-up: Tuesday, March 29, 2011|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/division-three-round-up-tuesday-march-1098900|publisher=Daily Record|date=3 March 2011|accessdate=28 April 2013}} At the end of the season, he had made 27 appearances, scoring three times.

The club would finish in second place but were promoted to the Scottish Premier League to replace Rangers, who had been placed in the Third Division. However, that season, McCluskey failed to make a first team appearance, suffering an Achilles tendon injury. At the end of the season McCluskey was amongst the players released by Dundee after their relegation.{{cite news|title=Contract offer to 14 Dundee stars|url=http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/contract-offer-to-14-dundee-stars-1.95232|work=Evening Telegraph|first=Liam|last=Kennedy|date=22 May 2013|accessdate=17 October 2013}}

On 12 October 2013, McCluskey played as a trialist for Forfar Athletic in their Scottish League One match against Stranraer.{{cite news|title=Loons Not Ferry Good Against Stranraer|url=http://www.forfarathletic.co.uk/index.php?option=com_flexicontent&view=items&cid=6%3Anews&id=1175%3A794&Itemid=27|publisher=forfarathletic.co.uk|date=13 October 2013|accessdate=17 October 2013}} After making three appearances as a trialist, McCluskey signed a short-term contract with Forfar.{{cite web |url=http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/forfar-sign-mccluskey/ |title=Forfar sign McCluskey |publisher=SPFL |date=31 October 2013 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}

On 30 July 2014, McCluskey signed for Greenock Morton on a one-month contract.{{cite web|title=Signing News |url=http://www.gmfc.net/News/&action=fullnews&id=1232 |publisher=Greenock Morton F.C. |date=30 July 2014 |accessdate=30 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808040824/http://www.gmfc.net/News/%26action%3Dfullnews%26id%3D1232 |archivedate= 8 August 2014 }} This was extended until the end of the season, on 22 August 2014.{{cite news|url=http://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/sport/morton/articles/2014/08/23/507897-morton-wont-go-for-allout-attack-against-blue-toon/|title=Morton won't go for all-out attack against Blue Toon|work=Greenock Telegraph|first=Jonathan|last=Mitchell|date=23 August 2014|accessdate=23 August 2014}} McCluskey was released at the end of the season{{cite news|url=http://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/sport/morton/articles/2015/05/12/531800-deal-on-the-table-for-kilday-but-winger-exits-morton-/|title=Deal on the table for Kilday but winger exits Morton|work=Greenock Telegraph|date=12 May 2015|accessdate=12 May 2015|first=Jonathan|last=Mitchell}} and signed for Scottish League One side Stranraer in October 2015.{{cite news |url=http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/stranraer-seal-double-signing/ |title=Stranraer seal double signing |publisher=spfl.co.uk |date=3 November 2015 |accessdate=3 November 2015}}

Personal life

Jamie's younger brother Stefan McCluskey is also a footballer and they once played together for Greenock Morton.

Career statistics

rowspan=2 \| Club ! rowspan=2 \| Season ! colspan=2 \| League ! colspan=2 \| National Cup ! colspan=2 \| League Cup ! colspan=2 \| Other ! colspan=2 \| Total
class="wikitable" style="font-size:100%; text-align:center"
App ! Goals ! App ! Goals ! App ! Goals ! App ! Goals ! App ! Goals
rowspan=5 \| Hibernian \|2003–04 \|1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
2004–05 \|10	0	2	0	1	0	0	0	13	0
2005–06 \|3	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	6	0
2006–07 \|5	0	0	0	2	1	1	0	8	1
Total !19	0	5	0	3	1	1	0	28	1
rowspan=1 \| St Johnstone \|2007–08 \|5	0	0	0	1	0	2	0	8	0
rowspan=3 \| Wrexham \|2008–09 \|8	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	8	0
2009–10 \|13	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	15	0
Total !21	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	23	0
rowspan=1\|St Mirren \|2010–11 \|3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0
rowspan=1\|Clyde (loan) \|2010–11 \|9	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	9	1
rowspan=3\|Dundee \|2011–12 \|28	3	3	0	1	1	2	0	34	4
2012–13 \|0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total !28	3	3	0	1	1	2	0	34	4
rowspan=1\|Forfar Athletic \|2013–14 \|14	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	16	2
rowspan=1\|Greenock Morton \|2014–15 \|27	5	3	0	1	0	1	1	32	6
rowspan=1\|Stranraer \|2015–16 \|4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0
colspan="2"\|Career Total !130	11	15	0	6	0	6	1	157	12