James Stanley Daly (born 12 January 2000) is an English footballer who plays as a forward for EFL League Two club Harrogate Town.
Daly was born in Brighton, East Sussex[2] and supports Brighton & Hove Albion. However, upon signing for rivals Crystal Palace, Daly also developed an affinity for the Eagles.[2]
Daly was invited for a trial at Brighton aged 10 or 11, but was rejected.[2] He subsequently joined the academy of rivals Crystal Palace aged 14.[3] On 7 April 2018, he was named in the first team squad, as a substitute, for an away match against AFC Bournemouth.[4] In May 2018, he was named as the club's "Scholar of the Year"[5] and in July signed a one-year professional deal with the club.[6] In August 2018, Daly joined Isthmian League Premier Division side Kingstonian on loan until the end of the 2018–19 season.[7] In June 2019, Daly signed a contract extension with Crystal Palace.[8] Daly was included as an unused substitute in three first-team squads over the Christmas period in 2019.[9] In the 2019–20 season Daly regularly played as a defender for the Crystal Palace under-23 side.[10]
On 31 January 2020, Daly joined EFL League One side Bristol Rovers on a two-and-a-half-year deal.[11] He made his debut for Bristol Rovers as a 71st-minute substitute for Liam Sercombe on 29 February in a home 0–1 defeat to Shrewsbury Town.[12] On 10 October 2020, Daly scored his first goal for the club, heading home to equalise as Rovers went on to win 2-1 away at Lincoln City.[13]
Daly joined fellow League Two club Stevenage on a free transfer on 2 June 2021.[14]
On 2 June 2022, Daly agreed to join National League side, Woking on a one-year deal following his release from Stevenage.[15]
On 29 June 2023, Daly signed a two-year contract with Harrogate Town.[16]
In February 2024, Daly joined National League club Aldershot Town on loan until the end of the season.[17]
James has a twin brother, Joel, who is also a footballer and currently plays for Whitehawk.[18]