James Samuel Morton (born 22 April 1999) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for club Bath City.

He has played in the Football League for Bristol City, Forest Green Rovers, Grimsby Town and Gillingham.

Career Bristol City Morton joined Bristol City aged 14 and progressed through the club's youth system. He was loaned out to Chippenham Town in October 2017 and then Bath City on loan until 13 January 2018, before extending his loan to the end of the season. In the summer of 2018, he re-joined Bath City on loan for the 2018–19 season, and won their 'Goal of the season' award for that season. After signing a four-year deal with Bristol City in summer 2019, Morton joined Forest Green Rovers on a season-long loan, making his EFL League Two debut when he played the entire match against Oldham Athletic on the opening day of the 2019–20 season.

On 30 September 2020, Morton joined Grimsby Town on a season-long loan. On 31 December 2020, following the departure of manager Ian Holloway, Morton and fellow Bristol City teammate Owura Edwards were recalled from their loan spells at Grimsby. Morton made only four starts during his time at Blundell Park.

On 1 February 2021, Morton joined League One side Gillingham on loan for the remainder of the 2020–21 season. Morton would only feature once for the Gills, appearing as a 91st-minute substitute in a 3–0 home defeat by Lincoln City on 5 February 2021.

In July 2021, Bristol City allowed Morton to join Milton Keynes Dons on trial with a view to a permanent transfer, however after playing in a 7–1 pre-season victory over Coventry City the transfer fell through following a change of management at MK.

On 23 September 2022, Morton returned to National League South club Bath City on loan until the end of the 2022–23 season.

In May 2023, Morton was released by Bristol City.

Weston-super-Mare On 9 August 2023, Morton signed a contract for National League South club Weston-super-Mare.

Southend United On 29 December 2023, Morton signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with National League club Southend United. He was released by the club when his contract expired at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Bath City On 7 August 2026, having previously had three separate loan spells with the club, Morton returned to Bath City on a permanent basis, now playing in the Southern League Premier Division South following their relegation the previous season.

Personal life Morton is a Christian.

Career statistics

+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsBristol City2017–18Championship000000—002018–19Championship000000—002019–20Championship000000—002020–21Championship000010—102021–22Championship000000—002022–23Championship000000—00Total000010—10Chippenham Town (loan)2017–18National League South2100—1031Bath City (loan)2017–18National League South16000—00160Bath City (loan)2018–19National League South34110—30381Forest Green Rovers (loan)2019–20League Two120002030170Grimsby Town (loan)2020–21League Two7010001090Gillingham (loan)2020–21League One1000000010Bath City (loan)2022–23National League South34210—80432Weston-super-Mare2023–24National League South20330—30263Southend United2023–24National League171———1712024–25National League43020—304802025–26National League34010—60410Total94130—901061Bath City2026–27Southern LeaguePremier Division South4010—0050Career total2248100302802658

Honours Southend United FA Trophy: 2025–26

References

External links