An appeal to help commemorate the contribution that Robbie James made to Swansea Cityhas been formally launched with the plan to unveil a bronze bust of the player in February 2008 - the 10th anniversary of his untimely death.
The appeal is the brainchild of Luke James - Robbie's son - who wanted to see a tribute to his Dad at the Liberty Stadium which now hosts the football of Swansea City, a club that Robbie represented on over 500 occasions.
"As I've got older, I've started to think about my dad more, " said Luke "I'm coming to terms with it all now and something I would love to see would be some kind of memorial to my dad. People tell me what a legend he was and how Swansea's fans used to chant his name. It would mean so much to me if there was a tribute to him at the Liberty Stadium"
Robbie James died in February 1998 whilst playing for Llanelli Town in a Welsh League match against Porthcawl Town.
Luke has been joined in his fundraising efforts by a team of volunteers who wanted to assist him with the memorial. The appeal is also being backed by the Supporters Trust and they will assist with the fundraising activities. Chairman of the Trust, Phil Sumbler said "Robbie was one of my early Swansea heroes and I don't think anyone who saw him play would forget what he did for Swansea City.
"When we heard of Luke's appeal it seemed only natural that we should lend our support to such a worthy cause and ensure that one of Swansea's great sons is honoured with a fitting tribute at the stadium.
"It is incredible to think that it is ten years since Robbie passed away and I do firmly believe that Swans fans of all ages will back the memorial fund and give Luke the memorial that his Dad deserves."
Robbie was born in Swansea in March 1957 and as well as 500 plus appearances for his home town side he also played for Stoke, QPR, Leicester City, Bradford, Cardiff City and Merthyr before becoming player manager at Llanelli in 1997. He was capped 47 times by his country, scoring on 7 occasions. He was a member of an elite club that represented Swansea at all four rungs of the English league ladder. Robbie also lies second on the all time list of Swansea City goal scorers with 149 goals in all competitions.
How To Donate To The Appeal
You can donate directly to the appeal by sending a cheque (payable to "The Robbie James Memorial Fund") to The Robbie James Memorial Fund, c/o 16 Llwyn Arian, Margam, Port Talbot, SA13 2UP
You can also drop cheques into the trailer situated in front of the Liberty Stadium on matchdays with an envelope marked accordingly.
Alternatively if you wish to donate items for auction or arrange a fund raising event then please call 07917 411804 or email phil@sumbler.freeserve.co.uk
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