Born on this day in 1952 is Leighton James, a winger more famed for his time at Burnley but who played over 50 games for us in the mid 80s.
James made his debut in 1970 for Burnley and earned his first international cap a year later for Wales. As a youngster, his outstanding ability apparently led to arrogance - one game for Derby against Sunderland at the Baseball Ground stands out in particular. The travelling support got to him and he responded in kind, which was not unusual for a player of his ilk who played on the edge.
Leighton was predominantly left-footed but was so two-footed that he would often take penalties with his right. He came to Roker Park in 1983 after successful spells with the Clarets and then Swansea City (near where he was born), just shy of his 30th birthday. His pace had gone, due to playing so much football from a young age, but his technique and class was clear to see.
The winger was one of the finest crossers of the ball from that era, and he had the talent to beat his man with a trick rather than speed. The week after his 30th birthday he earned his one Wales cap as a Sunderland player, coming on as a late sub against England at Wembley. Three years earlier, perhaps his best international performance saw him tear England apart and get on the scoresheet in a 4-1 win. He was only here two seasons and scored just the four goals, but he also worked as a youth coach in his second season at Roker Park. While Burnley and Swansea are the clubs closest to his heart, Leighton always spoke highly of the passionate north east football fans.
After retirement James went into coaching and later became a (outspoken) radio pundit. His obvious dislike of Cardiff led to a BBC ban and the recording of a song “Leighton James Don’t Like Us” by Cardiff musician Leigh Bailey.
