Glan Letheren

Glan Letheren (1 May 1956 – 6 June 2024) was a Welsh professional footballer who played in the Football League as a goalkeeper.

Club career

Hailing from Dafen, Carmarthenshire, Letheren started his career at Leeds United. On 24 October 1973, he made his senior debut in a 0–0 draw against Hibernian in the UEFA Cup. Afterwards, he was on the bench during the 1975 European Cup final against Bayern Munich.

He later played for Scunthorpe United, Chesterfield, Swansea City, Blackpool, Oxford City, Scarborough, Bangor City and Llanelli Town.

International career

Letheren represented Wales under-23 team in two matches. Despite being called up to the Wales senior team, he never achieved a full international cap.

Coaching career

Following his retirement from playing, Letheren transitioned into coaching and scouting roles, contributing his goalkeeping expertise to teams such as Leeds United, Swansea City, Exeter City, Chester City, Leicester City and the Football Association of Wales, as well as being the manager of the Wales women's national team. Additionally, he ventured abroad to work in Australia, Haiti, and St. Lucia.

Outside football

Letheren was also a successful cricketer in the South Wales Cricket Association, playing mainly for Dafen Welfare CC, as a medium pace bowler and middle order batsman.

Personal life

Letheren's son Kyle also became a professional football goalkeeper. He was also called up and remained uncapped by Wales at senior level.

Letheren died on 6 June 2024, at the age of 68. He had been diagnosed with primary peritoneal carcinoma in May 2023.

References