James Cole was an Easton College student and Norfolk Under-18 representative when he played for Norwich reserves in the 3-0 defeat to Ipswich in December 2005.

James also played for Great Yarmouth. He joined the Bloaters' Youth team in season 2003-2004 when he made 16 appearances scoring once. The following season he captained the Under 18s, appearing 19 times and scoring five goals. After a substitute appearance in the showpiece pre-season match against newly-promoted Premiership side Norwich City, James went on to make 11 senior appearances, impressing in his defensive role.

He signed a professional contract with Barnet in June 2007. The 19-year-old defender had been part of the Bees' PROTEC youth scheme, but linked up with Paul Fairclough's first-team squad for the 2007/08 campaign. Fairclough was confident Cole can settle in at Underhill as quickly as right-back Joe Devera, who took the same route and established himself in the first team towards the end of the 2006/07 season.

"We would like James to follow in the footsteps of Joe," said Fairclough. "He is of the same calibre, and the hope is that he will develop in the same way as Joe."

James was released from his contract with Barnet in January 2008 to enable him to sign for Ryman Leaguers Wivenhoe Town. In July 2008, James joined Kirkley & Pakefield of the Ridgeons League