Wales and Swansea City legend Leighton James dies
Wales and Swansea City legend Leighton James has died aged 71.
The former winger, who also turned out for Burnley, Derby County and Sunderland throughout his career, was born in 1953 and was capped 54 times by his country, scoring 10 goals in the process.
James' winner from the penalty spot earned Wales their first ever victory over England on opposition territory in 1977 at Wembley.
He represented the Swans on 88 occasions, scoring 27 goals for his hometown club. A masterstroke signing by John Toshack, James helped Swansea to top-flight promotion and scored in that game against Preston North End in 1981 to help his side into division one.
James was also revered with the Clarets, for whom he played more than 300 games and where he started his career.
After he hung up his boots he moved into management, managing a number of Welsh lower league clubs while he also did pundit work for the BBC. Born in Loughor, he was a columnist for the South Wales Evening Post for a number of years.
The winger was inducted into the Robbie James Wall of Fame in October 2013 to mark his contribution to Swansea.
Swansea confirmed the news on Friday evening in a statement. The team will wear black armbands in Saturday’s Championship fixture against Huddersfield Town as a mark of respect.
"Swansea City is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Leighton James at the age of 71," a statement read. "The thoughts of everyone are with Leighton’s friends and family at this sad time."
Clarets’ chairman Alan Pace paid tribute, saying: “We are sorry to hear the news of Leighton’s passing.
“He left an indelible mark on this football club and stories of his playing skills still echo around Turf Moor.
“Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”