Jimmy Leadbetter, who has died aged 78, will be remembered by old Albion supporters as an inside forward in the mould of Johnny McNicol whom he replaced in 1952.

When McNicol went to Chelsea, Albion manager Billy Lane did a shrewd swap by bringing Leadbetter to Hove as part of the £12,000 deal.

Just as McNicol was demonstrably too good to remain in the Third Division (South), so Leadbetter moved on after three seasons at the Goldstone and played an important part in Alf Ramsey's successful Ipswich Town side.

With Albion, Leadbetter scored 33 goals in 115 appearances beginning with a debut goal in the 4-1 home win over Crystal Palace.

His typically Scottish style at inside-left did not gain the recognition it deserved until he went to Ipswich when Ramsey's inspired management was rewarded with the League championship.

Leadbetter was the key in a left-sided triangle of players at Portman Road and Jimmy, revelling in a deep-lying role, loved to hug the touchline luring defenders out of position.

Such were the handsome dividends reaped by Ramsey who had watched Leadbetter with Albion when runners-up in Third Division (South) 1953-54.

There were few cooler customers than Leadbetter as his expertise from the penalty spot proved.

Undemonstrative and a man of few words, he preferred to do his talking with his feet and the left peg bamboozled many a lunging fullback when Albion were virtually impregnable at the Goldstone.

His background explained a personality shaped by service with the Royal Artillery and he gained representative honours for Combined Services.

On returning to his native Edinburgh he attracted Chelsea's attention but was seldom able to command a regular first team place. Everything changed at Albion and Leadbetter scored at an average of a goal every four matches.

In 1953-54 when Albion were second to Ipswich, Leadbetter was on the winning side at Portman Road in February but the title eluded Albion after a thrilling chase when the final margin was three points.

Albion old-timers have no hesitation in naming the spindle-legged Leadbetter as one of the best inside forwards of the post-war era.

At the age of 33, Leadbetter was able to enjoy exalted status as a vital member of Ipswich's League championship side. He had come a long way in seven years beginning with Chelsea and Albion.

When Ipswich were relegated in 1964 Leadbetter retired having scored 49 goals in 373 appearances for Town.

He was player-manager of Sudbury Town for five years and then returned to Edinburgh.

Afterwards he worked in the distribution department of the Edinburgh Evening News and on retirement continued to play a good game of golf.

He is survived by his wife and daughter.