Quick Facts
Biography
James Alfred Standen (born 30 May 1935 in Edmonton, London) is an English former footballer, playing as goalkeeper, and cricketer.
Football career
Jim Standen started his footballing career at Arsenal, joining the side in 1953. His appearances at Arsenal were limited, first by National Service and then by the presence of Wales international Jack Kelsey. He finally made his debut for Arsenal against Burnley on 7 December 1957, and deputised for Kelsey when he was injured in the 1958–59 season; upon Kelsey's return the two goalkeepers shared the spot for 1959–60. However, Kelsey regained the number one jersey outright at the start of 1960–61 and Standen left Arsenal for Luton Town in October 1960. He made 38 appearances for Arsenal in all.
At Luton, Standen was forced to understudy again, this time for England's Ron Baynham. Standen joined east London club, West Ham United as an emergency signing after their regular keeper Lawrie Leslie suffered a broken leg in 1962. He became a big hit at Upton Park and went on to make 179 league and 57 cup appearances for the club, winning the 1963–64 FA Cup and the 1964–65 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup with them.
After losing his place after the arrival of Bobby Ferguson in 1967, Standen moved to the Detroit Cougars in the United States. He returned to England with Millwall for the 1969–70 season, playing eight games for the South London club before signing a two-year contract with Portsmouth. After 13 games for Pompey, he retired from football. After retiring from football, he owned a sports shop in Camberley, Surrey for many years.
Cricket career
As a cricketer, Standen was primarily a right-arm medium pace bowler. He won a Championship medal with Worcestershire in 1964, heading their Championship bowling averages with 52 wickets at 14.42. The following season the county won the title again, but he played in only one match. In all he took 313 first-class wickets between 1959 and 1970 at an average of 25.34.
