Swansea stalwart Leighton James has passed away after a long illness. The seventy one year old who brought top flight football to the city of Swansea sadly passed away earlier on today.

Swansea City followers have good reason to be down tonight. A player who touched all fans hearts in the white shirt of Swansea City has passed away. His first signs of illness came in 2014 when he had a stroke. He had further complications in 2022 and 2023.

Keith Haynes, our site owner and editor worked on a book called ‘Come on Cymru’ 2000, some while ago, but Leighton was of great help. We also have a link to possibly the greatest Swans side ever assembled before the modern day.

That’s here —> ⚽️Swansea City & Leighton James

Amazingly Leighton left so many memories you would have thought he played more than eighty eight games for the Swans. During that time he scored twenty seven goals and was a part of the Swans side that took the top flight by storm in the 1981/82 season. His wing play on the left in front of the North Bank was exceptional, cunningly sharp and he had great pace as well. In the sunshine roaring down the wing with the ball - with the odd curved goal from distance is a great memory to behold.

⚽️ Keith Haynes : I once asked Leighton why he never played for Cardiff as did Robbie James and Alan Curtis. He looked at me with a bright red face, full of anger and said, ‘Are you bloody stupid or something, I’m a Swansea boy, I value my peace and quiet’ he glared and then laughed out loud ‘ ‘*%*+ Cardiff ! ‘ Some found Leighton hard to get along with, I found him as dry and thoughtful a man with a sharp wit and humour that it seems not everyone saw. But when he became a good friend, he wouldn’t leave me alone ! He was an artist, a passionate footballer. I last spoke to him a few months ago, it’s sad but this all sounds as if it was expected. But what a legacy. And he was the fastest lollipop man in Swansea !

There’s some great memories of Leighton, his daughter announced his stroke and brain bleed in November and the Burnley fans forum went in to meltdown. The reason ? They were sympathising with her regards her father’s passing. Leighton loved that, it tickled him immensely. David Roberts, Neath.

That goal at Preston, I was there with the Haverfordwest boys as was pointed out on the forum. That was a trademark Leighton James goal. Martin Thomas, Newcastle Emlyn.

I feel so sad tonight, I know the forum sent him flowers and stuff when he was in hospital last year. He had a lot of visitors my husband told me, one day people were being turned away. Kathy West, Carmarthen.

We have had other DM’s but most just wanted to say how sad they were at this news anonymously. It’s hard to find words, so, so sad.

Thanks to DNA on the forum. This is a masterpiece. Savage got the Pintado treatment verbally from Leighton.

Robbie Savage criticising Leighton’s skills and blaming everyone else, he was nearly crying, and couldn’t keep his mouth shut. Nice one Leighton. You are honoured as the best player Burnley have had, Robbie is just remembered for being a soft touch and bleating rubbish. Never in a million years fit to tie the man’s boots.

Photographs licensed from Reuters

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