James Thomas (footballer, born 1979)

James Thomas (born 16 January 1979) is a Welsh former professional footballer who last played for Dandenong Thunder in the Victorian Premier League which is one tier below Australia's national competition. He represented Wales at Under-21 level.

Thomas began his career as a trainee with Blackburn Rovers, turning professional in August 1997. He struggled to establish himself at Ewood Park and was loaned to a number of clubs before being released at the end of the 2001–02 season. A highlight of his loan spells was when he scored the winning goal for Sheffield United against Preston North End, helping them win 3-2 when they had at one stage trailed 2–0.[1] Another loan spell at Bristol Rovers yielded one goal against Rochdale.[2] He scored three goals during his time at Blackburn; once in the league against Bolton Wanderers[3] and twice in a League Cup tie against Portsmouth.[4]

In May 2002 he joined Swansea City and quickly established himself in the first team. He is fondly remembered for the hat-trick he scored in a 4–2 victory over Hull on the last day of the 2002–03 season to save his hometown club from relegation to the Football Conference.[5] With Swansea he became Wales' most capped player at Under-21 level and was called up to the full squad for the match away to Azerbaijan in November 2002, but did not get to play.

Thomas later suffered a knee injury that kept him out of the game for two years. He joined Llanelli in August 2006.[6] After a short time playing in Australia, he returned to Wales where he now works as an ambulance driver.[7]