Jim Whitley: From Footballer to TV Star in Jamie Johnson FC

Jim Whitley has enjoyed a diverse post-football career, spanning from portrait painting to musical theatre and now acting in the CBBC series Jamie Johnson FC. At 49, Whitley plays Coach Byrne in the football-themed drama marking his first television acting role. Whitley, who came through City’s youth ranks in the 1990s began his career at 16 after a successful trial.

He was a close friend of Robbie Savage, who introduced him to football. Whitley made his senior debut for City in 1998 and won the club’s young player of the year award for the 1997-98 season. However, injuries hindered his progress and between 1999 and 2001, he was loaned to several clubs before retiring at Wrexham in 2006. Beyond football, Whitley found a passion for portraiture, studying chiaroscuro at A-level.

His first commission was a portrait of former Manchester City captain Tony Book. He also painted portraits of David Beckham and Princess Diana. Whitley’s post-football career took another turn when he rediscovered his love for singing while at Wrexham, eventually performing as Sammy Davis Jr. in a West End production. Whitley has also ventured into coaching having earned his UEFA B coaching badge before landing the role of Coach Byrne.

Though he enjoys his acting career, he is aware that Jamie Johnson FC could be his only acting job. The show tackles serious issues like racism and homophobia in football and Jim Whitley enjoys portraying a tough, complex character. Despite his passion for acting, he is focused on balancing his coaching aspirations with his new career.