James Bell (born 1866, Scotland – death date unknown) was a Scottish professional footballer who played as a centre-forward during the late 19th century. He is primarily known for his time with Everton, where he was a key player in the club's early Football League campaigns and notably scored Everton's first-ever goal in the Football League.
Early Career
Bell began his football career in Scotland, playing for Kilmarnock. His performances there attracted attention from English clubs, leading to his move south.
Everton
In 1888, Bell joined Everton, becoming one of the club's first professional players as the Football League was established. He made history on 8 September 1888, when he scored Everton's opening goal in their inaugural Football League match against Accrington, a game which ended in a 2–1 defeat. Throughout the first Football League season (1888–89), Bell was a regular starter, scoring 10 goals in 22 appearances as Everton finished eighth.
He continued to be a prominent figure for Everton in the following two seasons. In the 1889–90 season, he scored 13 goals in 22 league appearances, helping Everton achieve a second-place finish in the league. During his three seasons with Everton, Bell made 61 Football League appearances, scoring 27 goals. He was known for his powerful shot and physical presence in attack.
Later Career
After leaving Everton in 1891, Bell continued his career in English football, playing for several other clubs. He joined Bootle in 1891, where he remained for two seasons. Following his spell at Bootle, he moved to Walsall Town Swifts for the 1893–94 season. He had a brief stint with Preston North End in 1894 before returning to Scotland to play for Motherwell. Bell later returned to England to play for Darwen in the 1895–96 season, which appears to be his last recorded professional club.
Details of Bell's life after his playing career concluded are scarce.