James Lindsay was a boilermaker at Thames Ironworks & Shipbuilding. He also played football for local side Anchor that was based in East Ham. In the 1893-94 season he played in several games for Millwall, including a 17-0 victory over Chatham where he scored 4 goals. In 1895 Arnold Hills, the owner of Thames Ironworks & Shipbuilding decided to establish his own football team. Lindsay joined the club and appeared in their first F.A. Cup match against Chatham. The following season he joined Ilford in the Southern League.