The gifted inside forward was born in Washington, the son of Alfie Hagan, who had played for Newcastle United. Jimmy, small and skilful and possessing an enviable left foot, played for Derby, then Sheffield United in the 1930s. .
World War II disrupted Hagan's career, though he played for the dazzling wartime England team which defeated Scotland 8-0 at Maine Road in 1943, and included Matthews and Lawton. He only played one official international, against Denmark in 1948. His place in the England forward line was taken by the great Wilf Mannion (q.v.). Altogether in his league career he played 391 games and scored 123 goals. He went on to manage Peterborough, West Bromwich and Benfica with whom he won three Portuguese championships