Jim began his playing career at Celtic in 1983 and had subsequent spells over the next 3 years with Dundee, Nottingham Forest & Coventry before sealing a move to Dundee Utd in the Summer of 1986. In his first season at United Jim appeared in the UEFA Cup final defeating Barcelona along the way. Sadly United lost out 2-1 on aggregate against IFK Goteborg in the final. Jim appeared in 4 Scottish Cup finals with United and after 3 final defeats Jim finally got his hands on the famous trophy in season 1993/94. After 9 years at United Jim joined Raith Rovers but wasn't away from Tannadice for long re-joining United in 1996 before moving to near neighbours Dundee one year later.

Jim started his management career with a brief stint as boss at Sligo Rovers in Ireland before joining the Coaching Staff at Celtic, working within their youth set-up. In 2004 Jim took over the reigns at Greenock Morton where he led them to the 2nd Division title and promotion to the 1st Division in season 2006/07. In March 2008 after leaving Morton a month earlier Jim took the job here at The Shire and managed to guide us a 9th placed finish and avoid the wooden spoon. Under Jim the club achieved it's best league position since the leage re-formation in 1994.