Letheren’s journey with Leeds United began in 1973 when he joined the club as a youth player. Born on 1 May 1956 in Dafen, Carmarthenshire, Wales, Letheren’s early footballing promise was evident, and Leeds United saw potential in the young goalkeeper. At just 17 years old, he was thrust into the competitive environment of one of England’s top football clubs, a testament to his talent and potential.

Letheren made his senior debut for Leeds United on 24 October 1973 in a UEFA Cup match against Hibernian. The match ended in a 0-0 draw. Despite the pressure of playing in a European competition, Letheren’s performance was commendable, showcasing his composure and skill between the posts.

One of the most notable moments of Letheren’s time at Leeds United was being part of the squad that reached the 1975 European Cup final. Leeds United faced Bayern Munich in the final, a match that remains etched in the memories of many football fans. Although Letheren did not play in the final, being part of the squad for such a prestigious event was a significant achievement. The match ended in a controversial 2-0 victory for Bayern.

In the 1976/77 season, Letheren was loaned to Scunthorpe United to gain more first-team experience. During his loan spell, he made 27 league appearances, proving his reliability and consistency as a goalkeeper.

After his loan spell at Scunthorpe United, Letheren returned to Leeds United. Although he found it challenging to secure a regular starting position due to the presence of established goalkeepers, Letheren continued to work hard and remained a valuable squad member. His dedication and professionalism were evident, and he was always ready to step in when needed.

During his time at Leeds United, Letheren benefited from the club’s top-notch training facilities and coaching staff. The rigorous training sessions and high standards at the club helped him develop his goalkeeping skills further. Letheren’s agility, shot-stopping ability, and command of the penalty area improved significantly during this period.

Letheren’s time at Leeds United was not without its challenges. The competition for the goalkeeper position was fierce, with established players like David Harvey and Gary Sprake ahead of him in the pecking order. Despite these challenges, Letheren remained focused and continued to work hard in training, always ready to seize any opportunity that came his way.

During Letheren’s early years at Leeds United, the club was managed by the legendary Don Revie. Revie was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to get the best out of his players. Letheren benefited greatly from Revie’s guidance and the winning mentality he instilled in the team. The experience of working under such a renowned manager was invaluable for Letheren’s development as a player.

In 1974, Revie left to become manager of the England national team. His departure marked the end of an era for the club. Brian Clough briefly took over as manager, but his tenure was short-lived and tumultuous. Jimmy Armfield eventually took the reins, and Letheren continued to be part of the squad during this transitional period. The changes in management brought new challenges and opportunities for Letheren as he adapted to different coaching styles and philosophies.

In 1977, after four years with Leeds United, Letheren decided to move on in search of more regular first-team football. His time at the club had been a valuable learning experience, and he had developed significantly as a goalkeeper. Letheren’s departure marked the end of a chapter in his career, but it was also the beginning of new opportunities.

He joined Chesterfield, where he became a regular starter. Over two seasons, he made 63 league appearances for the club. His performances at Chesterfield solidified his reputation as a competent and dependable goalkeeper.

In 1979, Letheren joined Swansea City, a club that was on the rise under the management of John Toshack. During his time at Swansea, Letheren made 21 league appearances and was part of the squad that achieved promotion to the First Division. His contributions were crucial during this period of success for the club.

After leaving Swansea City, Letheren had brief stints with several clubs, including Blackpool, Oxford City, Scarborough, Bangor City, and Llanelli Town. Although his playing time varied, he continued to demonstrate his skills and experience across different leagues and competitions.

Despite being called up to the Wales national team, Letheren never earned a full international cap. However, he did represent Wales at the under-23 level, making two appearances. His international career may not have reached the heights he hoped for, but his inclusion in the national setup was a testament to his abilities.

Following his retirement from playing, Letheren transitioned into coaching and scouting roles. His expertise as a goalkeeper was highly valued, and he contributed to several clubs and organisations in various capacities.

Letheren worked as a goalkeeping coach for several clubs, including Leeds United, Swansea City, Exeter City, Chester City, and Leicester City. His experience and knowledge of the game made him a valuable asset to these teams, helping to develop and mentor young goalkeepers.

One of Letheren’s notable achievements in coaching was his role as the manager of the Wales women’s national team. Under his guidance, the team made significant progress and improved their performances on the international stage.

Letheren’s coaching career also took him abroad, where he worked in countries such as Australia, Haiti, and St Lucia. These international experiences broadened his horizons and allowed him to share his expertise with a diverse range of players and teams.

In addition to his football career, Letheren was also a successful cricketer. He played in the South Wales Cricket Association, primarily for Dafen Welfare CC. As a medium pace bowler and middle-order batsman, he enjoyed a successful cricketing career alongside his football commitments.

Glan Letheren’s personal life was marked by his dedication to sports and his family. His son, Kyle Letheren, followed in his footsteps and became a professional football goalkeeper. Like his father, Kyle was also called up to the Wales national team but remained uncapped at the senior level.

Glan Letheren passed away on 6 June 2024 at the age of 68. He had been diagnosed with primary peritoneal carcinoma in May 2023. His passing was mourned by the football community, and tributes poured in from former clubs, teammates, and fans who remembered him as a talented goalkeeper and a dedicated coach.

Glan Letheren’s life and career were defined by his passion for football and his commitment to excellence. From his early days at Leeds United to his coaching roles and international ventures, Letheren left a lasting impact on the sport. His legacy lives on through the players he mentored and the memories he created on and off the pitch.