Early career James had many stops in various roles along his journey, including
Viking Stavangar of the
Norwegian First Division,
Los Angeles Lazers of the
Major Indoor Soccer League, and
Ipswich Town F.C.,
Colchester United F.C. and
Cambridge United in England. He also worked as a scout throughout the 1980s and 90s with
Sir Bobby Robson at
FC Barcelona,
Newcastle United,
FC Porto,
Sporting CP and the
England national football team.
Managing in the United States James started his managerial career in America in 2006 as assistant manager of
MLS side
LA Galaxy under
Frank Yallop and
Ruud Gullit. Additionally, he acted as director of player development for the club, overseeing the club's youth program. In 2010, he was appointed assistant manager of
Portland Timbers for their inaugural MLS season under
John Spencer. In 2017 and 2018, James was the assistant manager of American second tier club
Indy Eleven for their last year in the
NASL and their first year in
USL.
Detroit City FC In 2019, he was appointed manager of
Detroit City FC of the
National Premier Soccer League, in the top tier of the American amateur system. After helping them win three regional titles, he continued to lead the team as it became a professional club and joined the
National Independent Soccer Association in the American third tier in 2020. After 2 titles in the league, James remained at the helm as Detroit City moved to the second tier
USL Championship for the 2022 season. James led the team to consecutive playoff appearances in their first two USL Championship seasons, and a victory over
MLS club
Columbus Crew in the
2022 U.S. Open Cup, before taking on the role of sporting director following the conclusion of the 2023 season. In July 2025, Detroit City FC announced that James and the club had parted ways. ==References==