WALES legend Leighton James has died aged 71.
The Welsh winger racked up over 600 games in the Football League and 54 caps for his country.
James also represented Swansea, Sunderland, Bury and Newport County in a near-20-year career.
Tributes have poured in Welshman, with Burnley chairman Alan Pace said: “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.”
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Taking to X, Burnley wrote: “We are saddened to learn that club legend Leighton James has passed away at the age of 71. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Swansea City posted: “Swansea City is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Leighton James at the age of 71. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Leighton’s friends and family at this sad time. Once a Jack, always a Jack.”
In a statement, the Welsh side wrote that he was “widely-regarded as one of the Swans’ finest players”.
Fans were quick to pay tribute to James with one calling him: “One of the best players to put on a Wales shirt.”
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Another said: “Welsh football has lost a massive personality. A brilliant player, entertaining pundit and bonafide legend.”
James started his career at Burnley in 1970, spending five years at the club before turning out for Derby and QPR.
He would return to the Clarets in 1978, spending another two years there before a three-year stint at Swansea and a season apiece at Sunderland, Bury and Newport.
James returned to Turf Moor one last time in 1986, where he played 79 times in the league across three seasons before hanging up his boots in 1989.
During his playing days, James earned 54 caps across 12 years, scoring ten times.
After retiring from playing, he moved into coaching, working at Bradford before landing his first managerial role at Gainsborough Trinity.
Spells at Morecambe, Netherfield and Ilkeston Town in the early-mid ’90s followed.
He’d also go on to manage Accrington Stanley, Llanelli (twice), Garden Village, Aberaman Athletic and Haverfordwest County, where he ended his career in 2012.
After turning his back on football, James embarked on a completely different career as a crossing guard – even being named Rookie Lollipop Man of the Year by a Swansea primary school.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
