Jimmy Burnett was one of four players who followed Frank Scott-Walford from Brighton and Hove Albion to Leeds City during the summer of 1908 as the new manager sought to revive the Peacocks' fortunes. Tony Hill: 'A decent player, the biggest criticism was his lack of pace, which saw the Scot eventually lose his place.'

Burnett began his career with local club Victoria United, whom he joined in August 1895. A couple of years later he moved to Aberdeen and he was still there when the Dons merged with Victoria United and Orion in 1903 to create the new Aberdeen club. That summer, he signed for Southern League Portsmouth. He scored twenty-two goals in 29 appearances for Pompey but returned to Scotland with Dundee after only a year. Again, he remained a single season before joining Grimsby Town. He spent two successful years with the Mariners and then threw in his lot with Brighton in May 1907.

While the Seagulls struggled in the bottom half of the Southern League, they enjoyed a memorable victory in the FA Cup away to Preston before going out to Liverpool after a replay.

Burnett rejoined Albion manager Scott-Walford at Leeds City in May 1908, but struggled to break into the first-team, playing only twice before Christmas. However, he was given a run in the side in the New Year and ended up scoring three goals in 22 appearances that campaign.

There was more competition the following season after the arrival of Billy Halligan and Tom Mulholland from Ireland; Burnett figured just twice more in the first-team (both in October 1909) before retiring at the end of the season.