Linfield FC is saddened to report the passing of Jim Emery who, for a period covering 3 decades, was Chief Scout for the club.

Aged in his mid 80s, Jim also scouted for clubs on the UK mainland like Swansea City, Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday and Everton where he worked with managers like Brian Clough, Jack Charlton and Howard Kendall.

Having played for Distillery, Ballymena Utd, Derry City and Bangor (he also managed The Seasiders), Jim helped bring Linfield legends like Lee Doherty, Lindsay McKeown, Pat McShane, Pat Fenlon and Glenn Ferguson to Windsor Park, and considered himself lucky to have worked with two of our all time great managers, Roy Coyle and David Jeffrey MBE, both of whom speak very highly of Jim who was influential in their own playing careers.

Jim is survived by his wife Sharon and the club send our condolences to the family at this difficult time.

Audaces Fortuna Juvat.

 

Tributes to the late Jim Emery

Club Chairman Roy McGivern

“Jim was a wonderful servant to the club over many years and was responsible for bringing some exceptional talent to Linfield.

He was also widely respected across local football and on the UK mainland where he also worked for Everton.

Jim was a true gentleman and he will be sadly missed by us all”.

Director Ronnie Morrison

“Jim was undoubtedly the most influential scout Linfield has ever had. The number of players he brought to the club was incredible and it was fitting he received the clubs merit award a number of years ago for all the work he has done for the club”.

Honorary Vice President Billy Kennedy

“Jim was a genuine friend, one of the greatest characters in my years at Windsor Park and he was up there with the best football scouts in Irish League football and the UK. He had 20 glorious years with Linfield and was proud himself to sign for The Blues as a 15 year old”.