Jimmy Thorpe began his playing career with Bolton Wanderers in 1906, though he played only twice for their first-team before joining Leeds City in May 1907.

He played only nine games in his one season at Elland Road, but appeared in four different positions in that time; his debut on 21 September at Stoke saw him at right-half. Wanderer reported in the Leeds Mercury: 'Thorpe ... showed himself a very capable half-back. He is very cool, and uses good judgement when passing the ball.'

He then had four games at left-half, and he split his other four games between the two full-back roles. City won only two of the nine games he played for them and conceded some 26 goals, so he could not be rated a raging success.

Thorpe joined Crystal Palace in 1908 and saw out his career there.