james was born in the small town of amble, northumberland, and grew up supporting local club sunderland. he joined the academy of hartlepool united at the age of 11, progressing through their youth system until he was offered a professional contract at the age of 16. james made his league debut for hartlepool united on 17 december 2011 as a 46th minute substitute for james brown in a 1–0 defeat by colchester united. he made his first league starting appearance in a 1–0 win over oldham athletic on 26 december 2011, in which he was voted man of the match for his performance. he scored his first goal, a 25-yard volley, in a 2–0 win over rochdale on 7 january 2012. the goal was particularly memorable as it made him the youngest player ever to score for hartlepool united at the age of 17 years and 64 days, 48 days younger than the previous record holder steven istead.