James Raine

Biographical information

RolesNon-starter
SexMale
Full nameJames Edmundson•Raine
Used nameJames•Raine
Born3 March 1886 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England (GBR)
Died4 September 1928 in Davos, Graubünden (SUI)
AffiliationsSunderland AFC, Sunderland (GBR)
NOC Great Britain

Biography

A north-east iron & steel manufacturer, James Raine was a very wealthy and successful businessman who also enjoyed a long and successful career as an amateur footballer. Having won international honours as an athlete it was whilst attending Sheffield University that his football career took off when he joined Sheffield United in July 1904, having played for the University side. A winger or inside-forward, he was chosen for the Pilgrims touring side to the United States in the summer of 1905 and on his return he signed for Newcastle United. In December 1906 he moved to Newcastle’s arch rivals Sunderland and spent two seasons at Roker Park, but also had loan spells at Reading and Newcastle Bohemians. It was during his time at Sunderland that he was chosen as one of the non-travelling reserves for the 1908 British Olympic squad. After the Olympics he joined Glossop North End and had three seasons with them before returning to the north-east to end his career at South Shields. In total Raine played 93 Football League and FA Cup games. He won eight England amateur caps including two unofficial ones on the 1910 tour against South Africa. He made his début in England’s first ever amateur international in 1906, the 15-0 win over France. In 1911 Raine switched codes and played rugby for Percy Main. He was also a notable local cricketer. During World War I he served as a captain in the Durham Light Infantry and was awarded the 1915 Star after serving in France. Raine died suddenly in Switzerland in 1928 at the age of 42.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1908 Summer Olympics Football (Football) GBR James Raine
Football, Men (Olympic) Great Britain DNS