A former West Bromwich Albion trainee, the pacy James has made an increasingly strong impact during his four seasons with United. An automatic choice on Graham Turner's team sheet, the 23-year-old central defender was United's top performer last season, culminating in selection for the Wales semi-pro team which won the first Unibond Four Nations title. Hereford-based James was also a deserved winner of United's player of the year award last term.