Jimmy Willis

James Anthony Willis (born 12 July 1968) is an English former professional footballer and manager who played as a defender from 1986 to 1997.

He played in the Premier League for Leicester City and in the Football League for Halifax Town, Stockport County, Darlington and Bradford City. During his career he scored goals in all of the top five divisions of the English football league system, a record held by Willis alone until 2004, when it was equalled by then Liverpool defender Steve Finnan. From 2001 to 2002 he was manager of Bamber Bridge.

Playing career Born in Liverpool, Willis served his apprenticeship at Blackburn Rovers, before he signed for Halifax Town in 1986. His impact at both Halifax and subsequent club Stockport County was limited, although he came into his own at Darlington where he won medals for both the Conference and Football League Fourth Division titles despite suffering from a broken leg in 1991. Willis' form at Feethams netted him a £250,000 move to Leicester City in late 1991, although he initially struggled at the higher level and was even loaned out to Bradford City. He eventually adapted to the higher standard of football and was the man of the match in the play-off final of 1994 when Leicester secured promotion. In 1996, Willis was set to join Burnley but the deal collapsed at the last minute because of contractual problems. However, a year later, Willis was forced to retire from the game because of injury.

Personal life Willis's younger brother Paul also became a footballer. Willis went on to work as a taxi driver in his native Liverpool.

Honours Football Conference (V): 1990 Division Four (IV): 1991 Division One (II): Playoffs 1994