| James Dyson | |
| Fullname: | James Gareth Dyson |
| Position: | Midfielder |
| Birth Date: | 20 April 1979 |
| Birth Place: | Wordsley, England |
| Youthclubs1: | Birmingham City |
| Years1: | 1997–2001 |
| Caps1: | 2 |
| Goals1: | 0 |
| Years2: | 2001–2002 |
| Years3: | 2002–2003 |
| Years4: | 2006– |
| Clubs4: | Stourbridge |
James Gareth Dyson (born 20 April 1979) is an English former professional footballer who played for Birmingham City in the Football League. He played as a midfielder.
Born in Wordsley, Staffordshire, Dyson began his football career in the youth system at Birmingham City. In August 1999 he made his first-team debut in the League Cup away at Exeter City, and on 17 December he made his Football League debut, as a half-time substitute, replacing Darren Purse in the Division One match against Wolverhampton Wanderers which Birmingham lost 2–1.[1] A few days later he made another appearance off the bench. Dyson broke his leg in a training-ground collision with Purse in 1999, a setback which eventually led to his release at the end of the 2000–01 season.[2]
Dyson had a trial at AFC Bournemouth in July 2001, which proved unsuccessful.[3] He joined Hednesford Town of the Southern League Premier Division in November 2001, and scored from the penalty spot on his debut,[4] but was released in February 2002 after failing to achieve regular first-team football.[5]
He joined Bromsgrove of the Southern League Western Division in August 2002, and again scored on debut,[6] but after 16 months with the club, he suffered a broken left tibia and fibula as the result of a 50–50 tackle. His manager described him as "a very popular boy and a very important player for us. He's an exceptional footballer and brings a thoughtfulness with everything he tries to do", but suggested that after twice breaking his leg he might be wise to consider his future in the game.[7]
Dyson resumed his competitive football career nearly three years later, when he joined Stourbridge of the Southern League Midlands Division in October 2006.[8] He played 14 games in all competitions in his first season with the club,[9] and appeared in the playoff final against Leamington through which they won promotion to the Premier Division.[10] In 2009, Dyson was part of the Stourbridge team that lost to former club Hednesford in the final of the Birmingham Senior Cup,[11] and helped the club defeat Football League club Plymouth Argyle to reach the second round proper of the 2011–12 FA Cup.[12]