Jimmy Kennedy was a youngster with Glasgow Celtic when Albion obtained his signature in May 1905, but he had to understudy regulars Frank Buckley and Harry Kent at the Goldstone and consequently left for Leeds City in June 1906 after one season.
The Scottish half-back developed into a fine player at Elland Road and remained with the club for three seasons, but in August 1909 he was transferred to Stockport County and moved on to Tottenham Hotspur seven months later. Unfortunately, Jimmy broke a shoulder blade within a few weeks of the move and subsequently struggled to win a place in Spurs’ First Division side, making just thirteen League appearances in two-and-a-half seasons at White Hart Lane.
In April 1912 he returned to the Southern League with Swindon Town, and joined Norwich City in July 1913 before signing for Watford manager Harry Kent, his former Albion team-mate, for a fee of £75 in December 1913; he subsequently skippered the ‘Brewers’ to the Southern League championship in 1914-15.
Following the resumption of normal football after the First World War, Jimmy was transferred to Gillingham for a £25 fee in December 1919.