James was a Welsh international who racked up 782 league appearances across a number of clubs, but his 23 league matches for City were not his most memorable in his playing career.
He burst on to the scene with Swansea City, where he spent nine years and amassed 110 goals to help the Swans up the league ladder during his time there. He started in the top flight with QPR and Stoke City but his role had changed, with more appearances in midfield and even a few outings in defence.
It was at the back where City saw him, as an experienced player looking to bolster the back line in Division Two, but his stay was relatively brief. When David Pleat took control at Filbert Street James was soon on his way, with Swansea taking him back and then Bradford City and Swansea's rivals, Cardiff City, also signing him up.