ARTICLE: Super Taff

[ClaretTony]

Latest ex-Claret feature - Leighton James

See link
https://www.uptheclarets.com/super-taff

[Suratclaret]

Excellent piece on one of my favourite players. Every time he got the ball you could sense the anticipation in the crowd. OK he was arrogant but his great self belief made him the player he was.
Regarding his contact lenses, this might be a figment of my imagination but wasn’t the game once stopped because one of his lenses fell out and attempts were made to find it?

[ClaretTony]

I do think his arrogance was the reason why some of the players had little time for him, but it really did make him the player he was.

About five years ago I was in the ticket office and for some reason his name came up in conversation. Jim Thomson was in there and said he was so good he should have won over 150 caps for his country.

I seem to have a recollection of the contact lens coming out. I don't care what he said, he needed them because his eye sight was not good.

He was also a very interesting cricketer who could have played at county level had he not taken up football. Being a flamboyant footballer I expected him to bat with that same attitude but he was a very technically correct batsman.

[bodge]

Can vouch for that CT, I bowled a few overs at him for Earby when he was playing for Read, unfortunately I didn't get him out but neither did he get many runs.

He came over for a chat in the bar after the game as well, so whilst a lot of people found him aloof and arrogant it wasn't the case with me, he was a very decent bloke.

[sjb]

My favourite ever Claret. I lived across the road for him and got to know him very well. We played in the same quiz team for a while and his knowledge of all things sport was excellent. Along with Dave Thomas the best crosser of a ball I've ever seen in a Burnley shirt.

[ClaretTony]

Can vouch for that CT, I bowled a few overs at him for Earby when he was playing for Read, unfortunately I didn't get him out but neither did he get many runs.

He came over for a chat in the bar after the game as well, so whilst a lot of people found him aloof and arrogant it wasn't the case with me, he was a very decent bloke.

Definitely a very decent bloke

[bfcjg]

I think he lived opposite the George the fourth on Padiham Road for a while, superb exciting player. I remember one summer as a kid watching the first team train on Towneley Park, I think work was being done on Gawthorpe or the bridge hence Towneley and he asked my mate would he nip to the cafe or shop to get some pop, he gave him the cash and told him to keep the change.

[sjb]

I think he lived opposite the George the fourth on Padiham Road for a while, superb exciting player. I remember one summer as a kid watching the first team train on Towneley Park, I think work was being done on Gawthorpe or the bridge hence Towneley and he asked my mate would he nip to the cafe or shop to get some pop, he gave him the cash and told him to keep the change.

He did live opposite the George later on. House called 'Captain's Cottage.' Earlier he lived near the Tim Bobbin.

[Im_not_Robbie_Blake]

Wonderful memories of the great man!

[Wokingclaret]

He did brighten up those difficult years.

Saw him for Bury in their promotion season under Dobbo, fantastic

[IanMcL]

I remember seeing a very spindly legged young winger, at a cup match, versus Oxford United. We lost.

[Silkyskills1]

Another excellent article. I was a student in London in the early 70's. Students from all over the UK supporting the usual 'big' teams but they all knew who Leighton James was and what he was capable of. As exciting a player as any I've seen for us over many decades. That wonderful ability to cross the ball whilst still in full movement was a joy to behold. Can only think of Wade Elliot for us being comparable in that skill.
As for his late equaliser at Luton in September 1972, I was stood right behind where he picked up the ball before cutting inside to score with his left foot. Still watch it before every home game on the big screen and still tell my grandchildren 'I was there that day'.
Saw him give so many full backs the 'runaround' but your reference to Ian Wood and that FACup tie always makes me smile. We were in that covered terrace behind the goal( though so many were in the end opposite) and it was poetry in motion watching him leave Wood behind and then put in sublime crosses for Fletc and Dobo with 'head me please' written all.over them. Just a superb footballer and entertainer.

[ClaretTony]

Another excellent article. I was a student in London in the early 70's. Students from all over the UK supporting the usual 'big' teams but they all knew who Leighton James was and what he was capable of. As exciting a player as any I've seen for us over many decades. That wonderful ability to cross the ball whilst still in full movement was a joy to behold. Can only think of Wade Elliot for us being comparable in that skill.
As for his late equaliser at Luton in September 1972, I was stood right behind where he picked up the ball before cutting inside to score with his left foot. Still watch it before every home game on the big screen and still tell my grandchildren 'I was there that day'.
Saw him give so many full backs the 'runaround' but your reference to Ian Wood and that FACup tie always makes me smile. We were in that covered terrace behind the goal( though so many were in the end opposite) and it was poetry in motion watching him leave Wood behind and then put in sublime crosses for Fletc and Dobo with 'head me please' written all.over them. Just a superb footballer and entertainer.

We were on the open end but poor Wood that day, I can't imagine he ever had a more difficult afternoon. What a ridiculous thing to do by Frizzell to wind Taffy up.

[Middle-agedClaret]

Excellent article. Thanks.

[ashtonlongsider]

Excellent article CT on one of our all time greats. I think the biggest surprise for me was Taff moving to Derby. I know they were 1st Division champions and in Europe at the time but from what I'm led to believe there were bigger clubs in for him, most notably two North London rivals. Had he gone to either, who knows how his career might have developed. However in all honesty, for me it fell well short of expectations.
I was in the United Road when we played them in the league cup in '74. Remember us toying with them in the 1st half and when we went 2-1 up, Taff came over licking a finger and showing the score to the United fans. If the objective was to wind them up, it certainly worked because they went on to beat us 3-2 and the abuse Taff got thereafter was unreal.

[lewishamclaret]

Loved it, thanks. Will always remember him lolloping down the wing with the ball.

[daveyclaret]

One of my favourite players we've had at the club. As has been mentioned may times on this Board, that 72-73 team had many fine players that included James and they were a pleasure to watch.

He didn't last long at Derby when Tommy Doc took over as manager. Apparently, Doc told James that he was deceptive, saying that he was slower than he looked.

[equinox]

He was my first football love.

[Woodleyclaret]

I remember a game v Rochdale when Taff had swallowed his tongue and the trainer came on.
After Taff had recovered he played even better.This I believe was the third time he'd signed for us

[Silkyskills1]

I remember seeing a very spindly legged young winger, at a cup match, versus Oxford United. We lost.

That must be the same match I went to in January 1971. Four or five of us travelled from S.W. London for a
3rd/4th round FA Cup tie night game. Had it been postponed the previous Saturday? It was a woeful performance, lost 3-0, I think and I'm sure Ron and Graeme Atkinson both played for Oxford. Think they had a forward called Terry Cassidy, big moustache and scored a few goals for them. Lot of 'thinking' I'm afraid but it was a very long time ago..

[ClaretTony]

That must be the same match I went to in January 1971. Four or five of us travelled from S.W. London for a
3rd/4th round FA Cup tie night game. Had it been postponed the previous Saturday? It was a woeful performance, lost 3-0, I think and I'm sure Ron and Graeme Atkinson both played for Oxford. Think they had a forward called Terry Cassidy, big moustache and scored a few goals for them. Lot of 'thinking' I'm afraid but it was a very long time ago..

Memory good I can confirm
FA Cup 3rd round - postponed on the previous Saturday due to a frozen pitch. We were on the coach going through Banbury when Adamson popped up in the road flagging us down to tell us not to go any further.
Definitely woeful apart from Tony Waiters who kept the score down.
Ron Atkinson and his brother Graham are both listed on the programme as is Cassidy but his first name is Nigel.

[TheOriginalLongsider]

Didn’t Gerry Peyton kick him up the Arsenal when he played for Derby against us?

[Stan Tastic]

In his first stint with us when he was still rapid, defenders would double up on him.

I remember once when he had two defenders blocking his way, he pushed it past them and ran around them out of play and got to it first before charging down the wing, powered by the Longside roar.

Very good with either foot too, which certain left-wingers today don't seem to see the importance of.

[Mondsley]

First time I saw him was a youth team game at Rochdale when the first team were drawing at Chelsea in the FA Cup. You just knew he was going to be a special player. A couple of mares and I recently spent a couple of hours chatting with Colin Waldron. He had quite a few stories to tell about Taffy! But he did say in all the time he played with him he never really knew if he was left or right footed.

[Mondsley]

First time I saw him was a youth team game at Rochdale when the first team were drawing at Chelsea in the FA Cup. You just knew he was going to be a special player. A couple of mares and I recently spent a couple of hours chatting with Colin Waldron. He had quite a few stories to tell about Taffy! But he did say in all the time he played with him he never really knew if he was left or right footed.

Wow, predictive text. Mates not Rovers fans!!

[ClaretTony]

First time I saw him was a youth team game at Rochdale when the first team were drawing at Chelsea in the FA Cup. You just knew he was going to be a special player. A couple of mares and I recently spent a couple of hours chatting with Colin Waldron. He had quite a few stories to tell about Taffy! But he did say in all the time he played with him he never really knew if he was left or right footed.

I was chatting to Waldo just a couple of days ago but Taffy didn’t come up in our conversation. I think it’s fair to say he wasn’t a fan.

[Mondsley]

I was chatting to Waldo just a couple of days ago but Taffy didn’t come up in our conversation. I think it’s fair to say he wasn’t a fan.

I didn't want to spell it out. But you're not wrong!,

[ClaretTony]

I didn't want to spell it out. But you're not wrong!,

Waldo’s a brilliant bloke but I tend to steer well clear of Taffy when I’m talking with him. Keith Newton, Brian O’Neil & Geoff Nulty were the main subjects this time.

[Ightenhill_Claret]

Really enjoying these features. I’d say Taffy is probably in the top three players I’m gutted to have never seen in a Burnley shirt, mainly based on the things my late dad used to say about him as a player.

[Jimmymaccer]

A couple of things stick in my mind, one being he used to come into my dads shop in town when I was a kid, and always chatted with me when I was there knowing I was football mad……

Then years later that pen v Torquay……..

Clearly a claret legend…..

[COBBLE]

Like lots of others I knew Taffy well from when he turned up at LHCC all skin and bone. He used to meet our gang at the bus station after school usually limping on one leg then allegedly walking away limping on the other. Around the time when he seemed to beat England 5-1 (I think) on his own he was the most exciting player in the country.

[Quicknick]

Like lots of others I knew Taffy well from when he turned up at LHCC all skin and bone. He used to meet our gang at the bus station after school usually limping on one leg then allegedly walking away limping on the other. Around the time when he seemed to beat England 5-1 (I think) on his own he was the most exciting player in the country.

It was 4-1 at Wrexham. He was a Swansea player by that time.

[Quicknick]

Leighton James is my favourite Burnley winger ever, and that's saying something as we've had so many really good ones.

[Owdsyker]

My memory on this is up for scrutiny but when Taffy first appeared in the reserves we played Man City reserves and they had a debutant called Arthur Mann, a highly rated right back they had just signed for £40,000 from Hearts I believe. I think we won 7 - 1 and Taffy scored six and ended Mann's carreer. At least that's how I remember it.

[expoultryboy]

My favourite player for Burnley. When he got the ball the longside used to "buzz" in anticipation. I tried to get my first lad to be christened Leighton James but the mrs wasn't having it . So he's called Michael Leighton James .

[Wokingclaret]

My favourite player for Burnley. When he got the ball the longside used to "buzz" in anticipation. I tried to get my first lad to be christened Leighton James but the mrs wasn't having it . So he's called Michael Leighton James .

Nothing wrong with Michael........Mike

[IanMcL]

That must be the same match I went to in January 1971. Four or five of us travelled from S.W. London for a
3rd/4th round FA Cup tie night game. Had it been postponed the previous Saturday? It was a woeful performance, lost 3-0, I think and I'm sure Ron and Graeme Atkinson both played for Oxford. Think they had a forward called Terry Cassidy, big moustache and scored a few goals for them. Lot of 'thinking' I'm afraid but it was a very long time ago..

Definitely an evening game and we lost heavily, so probably right. My dad took me. Lots of moaning about why I support such a team that loses to Oxford!

[AmbleClaret]

My favourite player of all time,no doubt helped by the fact he was at his prime when I first started supporting us in the '70's. I'm lucky enough to have his shirt from the Orient game.

[Cirrus_Minor]

Great write up. I think James was one of the very few players I have seen in claret and blue that on his day was absolutely unplayable. I was at Oldham, stood on an ash mound watching him totally destroy Oldhams full back.
He was certainly also a character. I once agreed to meet a girl in the evening outside the club shop. As I was waiting, Leighton James comes up next to me and starts effing and blinding about women and, I gathered, one that had stood him up. As he was still ranting, my date turned up, I just gave him a wink as I walked off with her. He laughed and gave back a thumbs up.
He would always be in my all time Burnley team, brilliant player.

[ClaretPete001]

Interesting to hear a few negative comments about him. He was my hero but I've said before the one time I met him he came across as aloof and a bit impatient.

I can't recall the actual year, but it was related to Burnley Boys Club, which was on Colne Road at the time and we had completed 10 mile walk for charity - I would guess it was mid 70s so I'd have been 8 or 9 and Taffy was everyone's hero.

To be honest, he gave the impression he couldn't be *rsed being there - saying that he had given up his time so.....

Had quite an impact because I can remember it like it was yesterday.

[RammyClaret61]

My first Clarets hero. Met him once at Rammy cricket club when he was playing for Lowerhouse seconds. It was a rainy day and I sat talking with him for a good 30-40 minutes, was also very happy to sign all the stuff I’d taken down knowing he would be there.

[Taffy on the wing]

Good article Tony........He got fans out of their seat & invariably took his man on.
My favourite player from back in the day & that great team in the early 70's.

......thanks to Vincent Kompany i'm living it all over again, with another exciting, young, talented team.

[SussexDon1inIreland]

Also my favourite Claret
I just wish there was more video footage of how good he was
Is that 5-1 Wales performance available on video?

What’s he doing these days?

UTC

[ClaretTony]

What’s he doing these days?

UTC

Not heard for a while but he was fighting prostate cancer at one time although I think he's won that battle. He also had a stroke nine years ago but it was just a mild stroke. I think he still does some punditry for BBC Radio in Wales.

Here's his discussion (for want of a better word) with Robbie Savage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRXvw4PeEYg
and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02hVBMqGnWc

[Tonto]

Very much liked /disliked by many Swansea fans i know down this way as a person in anyway,i have never met him but everyone in agreement that on the field absolutely loved watch him play(me included),he did a bit of a talk show on local radio and quite outspoken on it ,not sure if that is still the case

[Silkyskills1]

Something I witnessed from his days playing cricket for Lowerhouse was at Bentgate, home of Haslingden Cri cket Club. Well known 'character' around those parts, Jackie Barnes was wandering around the ground until he reached the area where Leighton was fielding close to the boundary. Jackie shouts in his very own loud, stuttering style, 'did you win the toss, Leighton?' Leighton answered quite politely 'No'. Jackie stood his ground and Leighton was brought further in field to mid on. At least a full over went by until Leighton took up his place on the long on boundary again. Immediately a patient Jackie called Leighton closer to him and asked 'Did you lose it then?' Leighton walked away knowing he'd been well and truly had. For anyone who knew Jackie Barnes or encountered him that has to be one of his all time classics.

[sjb]

Jackie Barnes could warrant a thread devoted just to him! He's even mentioned in David Lloyd's autobiography where he's described as the heckler from Rawtenstall. Used to be a fixture in the Bob Lord Stand on Burnley Reserve games in the 1990s, and I once met him randomly walking along Scarborough sea front in about 1999 - presume he was there to watch the Yorkshire game which was being played at the time. The word 'character' could have been invented for him.

[ElectroClaret]

Saw him play away at Villa in a 1-3 Clarets win in the early Seventies (72...73?) Ran em daft.

I also remember (on the international front) he had a long hate/hate ongoing feud with Danny McGrain, Scotland full back, (at least I think it was him) which was most entertaining when DMcG got wound up

[Hbclaret007]

I haven't seen a better winger in my 50 years watching the Clarets. Could beat defenders on both sides and deliver perfect crosses with a great shot too. Benson and Zaroury combined in one, with Roberts's welsh attitude. What a player!

[sjb]

Saw him play away at Villa in a 1-3 Clarets win in the early Seventies (72...73?) Ran em daft.

I also remember (on the international front) he had a long hate/hate ongoing feud with Danny McGrain, Scotland full back, (at least I think it was him) which was most entertaining when DMcG got wound up

It was 72/73 and 3-0, but you're right, he ran the show that afternoon.