James Callaghan Charnley (more commonly known as Chic Charnley), born June 6, 1963 is a former Scottish footballer.

He played for a number of clubs: Clydebank F.C.; Hamilton Academical F.C.; St Mirren F.C.; Bolton Wanderers F.C. (on loan); Djurgårdens IF; Dumbarton F.C.; Dundee F.C.; and Hibernian F.C.. He also played for non-league clubs Pollok F.C.; Tarff Rovers F.C. and Kirkintilloch Rob Roy F.C..

It is as a player with Partick Thistle F.C. that he is probably best remembered, having signed for the club on a separate four occasions. Brought up in North Glasgow, a naturally talented footballer, the early part of his career was chequered by poor discipline which gave him a reputation as a hot headed player.

He was brought up as a supporter of Celtic F.C. and he played in one game for them, in a friendly against Manchester United F.C. at Old Trafford where many rated him the best player in the game, despite the presence of players such as Eric Cantona on the field. It was rumoured that Celtic wanted to sign him but their manager at the time, Lou Macari was sacked not long after this friendly game and the rumours came to nothing.

At many points in his career it seemed that top-flight football was beyond him (he was freed from his contract by Partick Thistle when they were a Premier Division club and signed with First Division Dumbarton) but resigned with Premier clubs. In one of these instances he signed with Hibernian where many reckon he played the best football of his career. Whilst with Hibs many called for his inclusion in the Scotland squad, but this did not materialise.

His final season as a player was with Partick Thistle in the Premier League in season 2002-03 when he was approaching the age of 40, and had been previously playing for non-league Kirkintilloch Rob Roy. Appearances were few, but his final match was perhaps fittingly against another of his former clubs, Hibs, at Easter Road Stadium, where he came on as a substitute in a 3-2 victory for Thistle.

The next season (2003-04 ) he was a coach at Thistle under manager Gerry Collins, but when Collins was sacked by the Thistle board he resigned in protest at their decision.

Many Thistle supporters rate him the best player their club has had.