James Brown (born 1907 in Leith) was a Scottish footballer who played at right half-back. In his early life, he worked in the coal-mining industry before leaving for England. He joined East Fife for the 1926-27 season, after which he was signed by Burnley. He became captain of Burnley in March 1932. In June 1935, he was signed by Manchester United for a fee of £1800. At United, he scored 1 goal in 110 games. In February 1939, he left United for Bradford. He played 14 games in 2 seasons for Bradford before League football was suspended due to the Second World War.