Robbie James played over five hundred and fifty games for Swansea City in two long periods at the club. In between times he turned out for Stoke City, Queens Park Rangers and todays visitors Leicester City.

For the 1987/88 season Robbie signed for the Foxes and enjoyed twenty eight games that campaign at Filbert Street. The barrel chested midfielder was always a favourite wherever he played, none more so of course than at the Swans. Leicester City had just been relegated to the second division as it was then. At Filbert Street James became a right-back, helping in the development of a young defence before returning to Swansea as captain in January 1988. That spring proved eventful as he won his last Wales cap on his 31st birthday, then led his new charges to promotion from the Fourth Division. It was a news story of the time that Swans Chairman Doug Sharpe had omitted to pay an agreed £400 for Robbie’s removal expensed when he rejoined the Swans from Leicester in January 1988. Fearing the mine could be scuppered the fans put immense pressure on the club and the money was paid.

Did you know ? : Robbie often had stints in goal in training when John Toshack was first team manager first time around. Tosh described him as the best back up keeper he had !

The ‘Welsh football fans’ website remembered Robbie : Born in Gorseinon, Swansea on 23rd March, 1957, being a local Swansea lad and having a love for the game at an early age, it was destined for him to play for his hometown team. James started his career for Swansea towards the end of the 1972-73 season under former Manchester United goalkeeper, Harry Gregg. He only made the one league appearance at the end of the season where Swansea City were relegated from the Third to Fourth Division. His hard work and effort towards the game would be the reason for him becoming a regular player in the first team. Robbie’s presence on and off the field won the fans and even his teammates over. He was even a well known utility player. Any position he was placed, he fulfilled the needs and requirements when it was asked. He was built like a typical rugby union player with his barrel-chest, broad shoulders and strength, but he was quick and his ability to beat defenders and blessed with the ability to put the ball in the back of the net.

As we know Robbie died young at the age of forty playing for Llanelli.

The Independent reported in his obituary: James went on to serve non-League Merthyr Tydfil and Barry Town, and was player- manager of Llanelli when he collapsed and died during a match with Porthcawl. To the very last he played the game the only way he knew how, with every ounce of his being.

Robert Mark James : footballer: born Gorseinon, Swansea, 23 March 1957; played for Swansea City 1973-83, Stoke City 1983-84, Queen's Park Rangers 1984-87, Leicester City 1987-88, Swansea City 1988-90, Bradford City 1990- 92, Cardiff City 1992-93; capped 47 times for Wales 1978-88; twice married (one son, two daughters); died Llanelli, Dyfed 18 February 1998 twenty five years ago.

If you get a chance today stop and spend a little bit of time and see the bronze bust of Robbie near to the stadium ticket office. It was unveiled by his son Luke in April 2008.

Photographs licensed from Reuters

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