Edward Glyn James (born 17 December 1941) is a Welsh former professional footballer. He played as a defender. He spent his entire professional career with Blackpool.
James also represented Wales on nine occasions.
Early life James became a Welshman in unusual circumstances: his parents were both English and lived a few miles from the Welsh border but James was delivered in the nearest nursing home across the border in Llangollen. He was brought up in Weston Rhyn near Oswestry in Shropshire. James was referenced in a news interview Alan Ball had with a Shropshire Star reporter.
He was educated at Oswestry Boys High School, where one of his contemporaries was Alan Ball, Jr who later played alongside James when Ball played for Blackpool during 1961 to 1966. He played for the school team as well as turning out for Gobowen Juniors and the Druids club at Ruabon.
Club career He was recommended to Blackpool by the former Wales international Billy Matthews, who was a Blackpool scout. He joined the Seasiders as a trainee in December 1957 and signed as a professional in May 1959.
Blackpool manager Ron Suart gave James his Blackpool debut on 28 September 1960, in a goalless draw at Leeds United in the League Cup. He made four more appearances in 1960–61 – three in the League and one in the League Cup.
Later career Following his retirement from football, James set up a laundry and dry cleaning business and included his former club amongst his clientele.
Blackpool F.C. Hall of Fame James was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Bloomfield Road, when it was officially opened by former Blackpool player Jimmy Armfield in April 2006. Organised by the Blackpool Supporters Association, Blackpool fans around the world voted on their all-time heroes. Five players from each decade are inducted; James is in the 1960s.
International career James won nine caps for Wales between 1965 and 1971.
Career statistics Club statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonDivisionLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsBlackpool1960–61First Division30002000501961–6210000000101962–6370000000701963–64900010001001964–653501020003801965–663712110004021966–673401030003801967–68Second Division3121030003521968–694241030004641969–703823021004331970–71First Division36120201Appearances in the Anglo-Italian Cup04111971–72Second Division39810415249111972–7334100404One appearance in the Watney Cup and three appearances in the Anglo-Italian Cup14221973–744231020004531974–75120003000150Career total4002213133210345628
International statistics + Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsWales196630196720197140Total90
See also One-club man.
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