LEGENDARY former Wales winger Leighton James, who spend a season with Newport County, has died at the age of 71.

James, from Swansea, was capped 54 times and scored 10 goals for his country, including a penalty in the 1977 win against England at Wembley. He He played more than 600 games in the Football League, 399 of them for Burnley with spells with Derby, Swansea City, Sunderland, Bury and County.

James spent the 1985/86 Third Division campaign at Somerton Park with the Ironsides, making 28 appearances and scoring goals against Bristol Rovers, Lincoln City and Torquay in the FA Cup.

“We are sorry to hear the news of Leighton’s passing,” Burnley chairman Alan Pace said of James, who had three spells at Turf Moor and scored 81 goals in 399 appearances for the Clarets.

“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.”

James made his Burnley debut in 1970 – his pace and trickery quickly making him a Clarets’ favourite – before joining Derby for a then club-record fee of £310,000 and having a one-season stop at QPR.

James returned to Burnley in 1978 before joining his hometown club two years later and helping their rise in to the old First Division under John Toshack.

“Swansea City is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Leighton James at the age of 71,” read a club statement.

“The gifted winger, widely-regarded as one of the Swans’ finest players, was a key figure in the side that secured a first-ever promotion to the top-flight in 1981, scoring a stunning goal in the victory over Preston North End at Deepdale to complete the club’s rise.

“He went on to star the following campaign as John Toshack’s side took the fight to the elite of English football, eventually finishing sixth in the First Division.

“The thoughts of everyone at Swansea City are with Leighton’s friends and family at this sad time.”

After three years at Swansea, James went on to play for Sunderland, Bury and Newport before taking his career full circle with a third spell at Burnley.

James’ 10 international goals included the match-winning penalty against England in the 1976-77 British Home Championship – Wales’ only ever victory against their neighbours at Wembley.

James held various coaching positions in South Wales after his playing career and worked in the media, where he developed a reputation as a forthright columnist and pundit.