The Norwich, England, native played professional soccer internationally in England, Norway and the United States. In 1985, James retired from professional soccer and moved to the coaching side. James served as youth academy coach at Ipswich Town, reserve team manager at Colchester United and first team coach and chief scout at Cambridge United in England’s League One prior to joining MLS.
 
James holds A coaching licenses from both UEFA and the U.S. Soccer Federation. Upcoming scouting trips for James include England, Spain and France for the 2014 Toulon Tournament.