Jimmy Calderwood facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | James Calderwood | ||
| Date of birth | 28 February 1955 | ||
| Place of birth | Glasgow, Scotland | ||
| Date of death | 19 January 2025 (aged 69) | ||
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Glasgow Amateurs | |||
| 1971–1972 | Birmingham City | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1972–1980 | Birmingham City | 145 | (4) |
| 1979–1980 | → Cambridge United (loan) | 8 | (0) |
| 1980 | → Sparta Rotterdam (loan) | 10 | (0) |
| 1980–1982 | Willem II Tilburg | 44 | (1) |
| 1982–1987 | Roda JC | 124 | (1) |
| 1987–1989 | Heracles Almelo | 33 | (7) |
| International career | |||
| 1974 | Scotland U23 | 1 | (0) |
| Managerial career | |||
| 1996–1997 | Willem II Tilburg | ||
| 1997–1999 | NEC Nijmegen | ||
| 1999–2004 | Dunfermline Athletic | ||
| 2004–2009 | Aberdeen | ||
| 2010 | Kilmarnock | ||
| 2011 | Ross County | ||
| 2012 | Go Ahead Eagles | ||
| 2014 | De Graafschap | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
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James "Jimmy" Calderwood (born 28 February 1955 – died 19 January 2025) was a Scottish football player and manager. He was known for playing as a midfielder. Jimmy played for clubs like Birmingham City in England. He also played for several Dutch teams such as Sparta Rotterdam, Willem II Tilburg, Roda JC, and Heracles Almelo.
After he stopped playing, Calderwood became a football coach. He managed teams in the Netherlands, including Willem II Tilburg and NEC Nijmegen. In 1999, he returned to Scotland to manage Dunfermline Athletic. He led them to the 2004 Scottish Cup Final.
Later, he managed Aberdeen for five seasons. Under his leadership, Aberdeen did well in the SPL. They even reached the last 32 of the 2007–08 UEFA Cup. He also had short periods managing Kilmarnock and Ross County. He helped both clubs stay in their leagues. Jimmy Calderwood passed away in January 2025.
Contents
Playing Career Highlights
Jimmy Calderwood was born in Govan, Glasgow, Scotland. He grew up in the Castlemilk area. As a young player, he played alongside future football stars like Ricky Sbragia and Willie Miller.
He started his professional journey with Birmingham City in 1971. He made his first team debut in 1972. He played 159 games for Birmingham City. He then had short loan spells at Cambridge United and the Dutch club Sparta Rotterdam.
In 1980, Jimmy decided to move to the Netherlands permanently. He joined Willem II Tilburg for £50,000. After two years there, he played for Roda JC for six years. He finished his playing career with a short time at Heracles Almelo before retiring in 1989.
Managerial Journey
Coaching in the Netherlands
Jimmy Calderwood began his coaching career in 1991 with an amateur club called Rietvogels. A year later, he became an assistant coach for FC Zwolle. In 1993, he moved to Cambuur Leeuwarden.
He returned to Willem II Tilburg in 1995 as an assistant coach. A year later, he became the main manager of the club. After that, he took on the managerial role at NEC Nijmegen.
Success with Dunfermline
After two years with NEC, Jimmy Calderwood became the manager of Dunfermline Athletic in Scotland. He spent five seasons at the club. In his first season, he led them to promotion to the SPL.
He also guided Dunfermline to their highest ever SPL finish, coming fourth in the 2003–04 season. That same season, his team reached the 2004 Scottish Cup Final. This meant they qualified for European competition for the first time in 35 years.
Time at Aberdeen
In 2004, Jimmy Calderwood became the manager of Aberdeen. He helped improve the team's performance. They nearly qualified for European competitions in his first two seasons. In the 2006–07 season, they finished third in the league, which earned them a spot in the UEFA Cup.
A big moment came in December 2007. Calderwood led Aberdeen to the last 32 of a European competition. This was the first time since 1986. They beat FC Copenhagen 4–0. This achievement led to a match against the famous German club FC Bayern Munich. Aberdeen drew 2–2 with Bayern at home.
Calderwood also took Aberdeen to the semi-finals of the 2007–08 Scottish Cup. However, they lost a close game 4–3 to Queen of the South. He left Aberdeen in May 2009 after the team qualified for the UEFA Europa League.
Later Managerial Roles
Jimmy Calderwood became the manager of Kilmarnock in January 2010. He helped the club stay in the SPL for another season. He then had a short spell managing Ross County in 2011.
In March 2012, he returned to the Netherlands to coach Go Ahead Eagles. He left the club after they were knocked out of the promotion play-offs. In January 2014, he briefly managed De Graafschap. He resigned after less than a month because key players were sold without being replaced.
Personal Life and Passing
In 1978, Jimmy Calderwood shared some personal details. He said his favorite player was Eddie Gray. His favorite team was Rangers. He found Trevor Brooking to be his toughest opponent.
His most memorable match was his debut for Birmingham City in 1972. He felt proud to represent Scotland at the under-23 level. Outside of football, he enjoyed snooker, golf, and badminton.
Jimmy Calderwood was diagnosed with dementia. He passed away on 19 January 2025, at the age of 69. His funeral procession drove past Ibrox Park, the home stadium of Rangers.
Honours and Achievements
As a Player
- Fife Cup: 2000–01, 2002–03 (with Dunfermline Athletic)
- Scottish First Division promotion: 1999–2000 (with Dunfermline Athletic)
As a Manager
- Scottish Challenge Cup: 2010–11 (with Ross County)
- SPL Manager of the Month: March 2002, April 2004, August 2004, February 2006, April 2006
