RIP Leighton – The Swans loss the passing of one of the stars of the past

The Swansea City football family was saddened last night to learn of the passing of Leighton James – one of the stars of the past and a part of the side that reached and played in the first division in the 1980s.

James, who was 71, scored one of the goals that secured promotion to the first division in 1981 as well as winning 54 caps for Wales, finding the back of the net 10 times for his country.  He scored 27 in 98 for the Swans.

The Swans will wear black armbands at Huddersfield today as a mark of respect whilst the Under-21s will do the same in their home game with Bristol City.

Born in the City, James initially made his debut for Burnley in 1970 before moving to Derby for a club record fee at the time of £310,000.   A spell at QPR and a move back to Burnley followed before he signed for the Swans in 1980 and was part of the golden era at the club under John Toshack.

More than two years followed at the Swans before he left for Sunderland in 1983 and had spells at Bury, Newport and Burnley again before his retirement.

He later held various coaching positions at a number of clubs, including Llanelli, before moving into media work as a columnist and pundit, where the directness and honesty he showed as a player continued to be in evidence.

The thoughts of everyone will be with Leighton’s family at this sad time – thank you for the memories.