*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 21:50, 16 October 2023 (UTC)
James Francis Dayton (born 12 December 1988) is an English former professional footballer who played as a winger.
Career
Dayton was released by Crystal Palace on 6 May 2009, after being at the club since the age of 10.[2] During his time at Palace he went on two loan spells, both in 2008, to Yeovil Town and Crawley Town.
He signed for Kilmarnock on a three-year deal in August 2010 after a successful trial period. He suffered a cruciate ligament injury which ruled him out for most of the season after a promising start. He also scored a contender for goal of the season during the same match in which he received the knee injury.[4] However, he returned to first team action in the 1–1 draw with Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the SPL on 9 April 2011 and went on to appear in the remaining games of the 2010–11 season. Concluding the season with a consolation goal from a free-kick in the 5–1 defeat to Rangers on 15 May 2011.[5]
In another good start to the 2011–12 season, Dayton picked up the man of the match award in a game against Hibernian, scoring from a free-kick.[6]
In December 2011, Dayton picked up the Clydesdale Bank Sky Sports goal of the month award for his 35-yard strike against Dundee United on 17 December 2011 which was subsequently named SPL goal of the season.[7]
After rejecting a new three-year contract at Kilmarnock, rendering him a free-agent, Dayton joined Oldham Athletic on 20 May 2013 signing a two-year contract, therefore reuniting with former teammate turned Oldham Athletic manager Lee Johnson.[8]
On 29 January 2015, Dayton joined St Mirren on a loan deal until the end of season 2014–15.[9] Dayton scored after six minutes on his debut for Saints, in a 1–0 victory at Partick Thistle on 30 January 2015.[10]
After completing his loan spell at St Mirren,[11] Dayton became a free agent after Oldham Athletic announced that he had been released by the club.[12]
Dayton made his Cheltenham debut on 24 October 2015, coming off the bench against Havant and Waterlooville.
Dayton signed for Leyton Orient on 1 August 2017.[13] He signed a new contract with the club in July 2019.[14]