Haverfordwest County has announced that Welsh football legend Leighton James has been appointed director of football with immediate effect on Monday.

The Bluebirds have had a difficult start to the season in Welsh League division one, so the Haverfordwest County board of directors have taken urgent action and brought in James to try and steady the ship.

Micky Ellis and Wayne Jones will still remain on the coaching staff, with James at the helm and bringing a wealth of experience to the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium.

James was a professional footballer for 19 years playing 645 games in total and scoring 124 goals. He made his debut for Burnley on the left wing in November 1970 against Nottingham Forest. James also had spells during his career with Derby County, QPR, Swansea City, Sunderland, Bury and Newport County He also played 54 games for Wales scoring ten goals. One of his proudest highlights was scoring a penalty at Wembley to defeat England 1-0 in 1977.

His first appointment as a manager was at Gainsborough Trinity in the 1993-94 season and since that appointment has also been in charge at Morecambe, Llanelli (two spells), Garden Village and the latest Aberaman Athletic.

"I'm delighted to be joining Haverfordwest County," said James speaking exclusively to Telegraph Sport.

"I'm really looking forward to a challenge, the club has had a bad start to the season.

"I'm coming in to try and restore confidence in the players, and try and get their season back on track.

"I want the fans to be patient, things don't happen over night as it takes time to build a good team. That's the main objective is to make improvements and develop things at the club."