TRIBUTES PAID TO WING WIZARD

TRIBUTES have been paid to Wales and Swansea City legend Leighton James, who 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 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, taking the helm at 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 news of the death on Friday evening in a statement. The team wore black armbands yesterday in their Championship win over 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.”

Fellow Swans legends Alan Curtis and Toshack were among those to pay tribute.

Curtis told the BBC: “That word is often given to good players, not great ones, but Leighton was a genuinely great player. Even to this day I don’t know if he was right or left-footed. He was a terrific player.”

Wales forward Ian Walsh said James is a huge loss to Welsh football.

“Apart from being a wonderfully technical footballer, he was an imposing character,” he told the broadcaster. “I had some really funny moments and some great times with him as a team-mate.

“His style of wing-play is a skill that has gone out of the game.”

Toshack, who managed the Swans during their rise through the leagues, told the BBC: “Leighton is one of the best two-footed players I’ve ever played with or seen and I have seen quite a few,” he said.

“I always enjoyed teaming up with him, he was full of confidence in his own ability. Some of the best moments I had with Wales and the goals I scored were because of Leighton. He was some talent.”