Capped 58 times by Wales, Leighton Phillips had extensive experience with Cardiff City, Aston Villa, Swansea City and Charlton Athletic when he joined Exeter City in 1983. Appearing ten times at the end of his professional career he soon moved on to become player-manager of Llanelli.

Leighton began his career at Cardiff City and, turning professional in April 1967, made his league debut as a substitute against Rotherham United in January 1968 when he scored with his first touch. Often used in a variety of positions, he eventually made 182 league appearances for the Bluebirds.  

Moving to Aston Villa in September 1974 for £100,000, he won the Football League Cup in 1977 and made 175 league and cup appearances before becoming Swansea City’s then-record signing when he joined for £70,000 in November 1978. Switching to Charlton Athletic in August 1981, he spent a season-and-a-half at the Valley ahead of arriving at St James’ Park in March 1983. 

Now thirty-three, Leighton made his Exeter debut in a 3-2 defeat at Walsall in April 1983 and played in the last ten matches of the season before finishing his professional career in May 1983. He then returned to South Wales and became player-manager of Llanelli prior to subsequently working as a financial advisor.