| James Denby | |
| Fullname: | James Denby |
| Birth Date: | 6 July 1892 |
| Birth Place: | Sutton-in-Ashfield, England |
| Death Date: | Mansfield, England |
| Height: | 5ft 9in[1] |
| Position: | Half back |
| Years1: | 19??–1911 |
| Years2: | 1911–1915 |
| Caps2: | 127 |
| Goals2: | 8 |
James Denby (6 July 1892 – 14 October 1977)[1] was an English footballer, who played as a half back for Southampton in the Southern League from 1911 to 1915.
Born in Sutton-in-Ashfield he started his career with Chesterfield. In the summer of 1911 Southampton's new manager George Swift spent £820 recruiting 11 new players including a return to his former club to sign Denby. Denby made his "Saints" debut in the opening match of the 1911–12 season, a 1–1 draw with Millwall.[2]
Playing alongside Bert Lee and Jim McAlpine, he became an integral part of the team's defence up to the suspension of football in 1915. According to Holley & Chalk's "The Alphabet of the Saints", Denby was "a strong, reliable player (who) played in all three half-back positions with equal merit and was the team's defensive pivot."[3]
His steady influence had a considerable effect on team performances and an improvement in their defensive play. He continued to give the club sterling service up to the outbreak of World War I when he retired from professional football.[1]