James began his career in 1997, joining West Bromwich Albion as an apprentice, he went on to sign pro terms in 1999, after five years and over 70 appearances for The Baggies he was sold to Watford in a deal worth up to £250,000.
During his time with The Hornets James made over 90 first team appearances, including just one during the clubs short stay in the Premier League between 2006 and 2007, he failed to force his way into the first team and spent much of the season on the bench, he was also loaned to Cardiff City, where he made seven first team appearances.
Following Watford’s relegation back to Division One James rejected the offer of a new contract and departed for Leicester City on a free transfer, after one season and 24 games at The Walkers Stadium, James signed for Doncaster Rovers on a three-year contract.
During his four-year spell with ‘Donny’ Chambers made almost 90 league appearances but found himself surplus to requirements during the latter part of the 2011/2012 season and spent a period on loan at Hereford United, before being released at the end of the season.
James joined The Saddlers in August following a brief trial and after a slow start went on to establish himself in the first-team.