Football Legends - John Giles

John Giles’ world-wide standing in the game was illustrated in 2003 when he was a winner of a UEFA’s Jubilee Award as the best Irish player of the past 50 years. His reputation is without parallel in Ireland after a distinguished career at club and international level as player and manager.

His enduring excellence saw him enjoy an extended career that stretched more than 20 years and featured successful periods as player and manager in Ireland, England, the USA and Canada.

His contribution to football did not end there for, over the past 25 years, he has entertained and enlightened followers of the game as a football commentator/analyst on Ireland’s national TV station, RTE, and as columnist in a number of national daily newspapers.

Indeed he is probably more widely known for the forthright and trenchant contributions he has made to RTE’s coverage of major football than for his football, despite his distinguished and remarkably successful career as footballer/manager.

For he was at his peak as a player in the 1960/’70 era when TV and media coverage generally of the game was far from being as extensive or as sustained as it is now. Live coverage on TV of cross-channel and international football matches was especially limited in Ireland in this period.

Manchester United

John Giles was identified as a special football player early for he was just 15 years of age when signed by Manchester United in 1957 on the recommendation of the club’s famous Dublin-based scout, Billy Behan.

The schoolboy Giles joined the most famous club in England at a time when Matt Busby was electrifying the English League after assembling a team that threatened to revolutionise the game.

This team, known popularly as the “Busby Babes”, was composed of some of the most precocious talents ever produced in England in the persons of Duncan Edwards, the Dublin-born Liam Whelan, Bobby Charlton, Harry Gregg, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, David Pegg, Bill Foulkes, Jackie Blanchflower etc. etc.

United won back-to-back League Championship titles in 1956 and 1957 and were set on a course to dominate English football when the team was devastated by a horrendous plane crash in Munich in February 1958 on their return journey from a European Champions Cup tie in Belgrade.

This tragic accident meant that Giles was denied the opportunity of playing in this exceptional team and when he made his League debut for United in 1959 against Tottenham Hotspur, he had but two survivors of that crash alongside him in Harry Gregg and Bobby Charlton.

Giles helped United win the FA Cup in 1963 when United, captained by another Irish international in Noel Cantwell, defeated Leicester City 3-1 at Wembley. It was his first senior trophy and the forerunner of many more honours after he transferred later that Summer to Leeds United.

Leeds United

It was at Elland Road that Giles enjoyed his most prolific spell. Leeds were promoted from the second division to the first in his first season and they developed rapidly to dominate the English game for the next decade.

Giles was the on-field general of the team in midfield and in partnership with manager Don Revie he directed a team that brought unparalleled success to Elland Road. He had capable lieutenants alongside him on the pitch in players such as Billy Bremner, Norman Hunter, Peter Lorimer, Allan Clarke, Eddie Gray, Jack Charlton,

Paul Reaney, Gary Sprake and Leeds challenged for major honours every season.

Leeds were pipped for the League Championship title in the first season following their promotion and they went on to win the title in 1969 and 1974 and were runners-up five times.

He made 383 appearances and scored 87 goals for Leeds as they won the FA Cup in 1972, the League Cup in 1968, the UEFA Fairs Cup in 1968. They were runners-up in the UEFA Cup-Winners’ Cup in 1973 and the European Cup (the UEFA Champion Clubs’ Cup), the forerunner of the current Champions’ League, in 1975.

Ireland

John Giles excelled in midfield for Ireland throughout this period. His international debut at 19 years in 1959 was memorable for he scored an exceptional goal against Sweden in a match won 3-2 by Ireland at Dalymount Park.

He played in 59 international matches and scored five goals, He was player/manager and then manager of Ireland from 1973 until 1980 and was captain in 24 matches.

West Brom & Shamrock Rovers

Giles always showed the capacity to accept and thrive on responsibility and when he left Leeds United in 1975 he took over as player/manager of West Brom in the second division. He led them to promotion in his first season and in 1977 returned to his native Dublin to take over at Shamrock Rovers.

He spent almost six years with Shamrock Rovers and led them to win the FAI Cup in 1978. And then he moved to Canada where he was manager of Vancouver Whitecaps from 1981 to 1983. He was voted Coach of the Year in the NASL in 1982.

Giles brought his active football career to a close with a final spell in charge of West Brom in 1984/85 but his contribution to the game that made him famous continues in his media work and in his involvement in this latest venture – the John Giles Foundation.

www.johngilesfoundation.com

First published January 25th 2011

Related articles

• El Hadji Diouf now in Neil Warnock's good books by scoring Leeds United's opening goal
• England's Leeds United fans frustrated over Bahrain takeover
• Leeds United wins policing case
• Leeds United wins High court action over who should pay for policing Elland Road matches
• Petr Cech: After football's inglorious week, a keeper of the faith
• Sheffield Wednesday: Second football club tries for cut in police bill

View from the Top - Roy Keane

"Fail to prepare, prepare to fail."

Roy Keane

Related articles

• Polish mayor slams Roy Keane's comments on Irish fans' singing
• T'is Still a Ulysses Ireland Norah
• Mick McCarthy to beat old foe Roy Keane to Nottingham Forest manager's job
• Wayne Rooney needs to sharpen up or face chop
• Keane Wants No-Nonesense Boss
• Video: Man Utd legend Roy Keane says Mourane Fellaini is a 'top player'

Ferguson All Pete the Plumber

Getty Images

Sir Alex Ferguson says David Beckham had to leave Manchester United because the former England captain thought he was "bigger than the manager".

In his latest autobiography, Ferguson said he fell out with Beckham after criticising his performance during an FA Cup defeat by Arsenal in 2003.

"The minute a Manchester United player thought he was bigger than the manager, he had to go," he wrote. "David thought he was bigger than Alex Ferguson.

"That was the death knell for him."

Ferguson also said he had concerns about Beckham's celebrity lifestyle, following the player's marriage to Victoria Adams, a member of the pop group the Spice Girls.

"David was the only player I managed who chose to be famous, who made it his mission to be known outside the game," wrote Ferguson. "I felt uncomfortable with the celebrity aspect of his life."

Beckham, who won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and one Champions League crown during his United career, was eventually sold to Real Madrid for £25m in the summer of 2003.

Ferguson retired from management in May, ending one of the most successful managerial reigns in British history.

During his 26 years in charge at Old Trafford, he won 38 trophies and managed some of the biggest names in football, like Beckham, Eric Cantona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Peter Schmeichel, Bryan Robson, Roy Keane, Jaap Stam and Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

Ferguson also writes in Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography that:

Ferguson also describes in detail his version of the dressing-room bust-up with Beckham that followed the FA Cup loss to Arsenal.

"He was around 12 feet from me," wrote Ferguson. "Between us on the floor lay a row of boots.

"David swore. I moved towards him and, as I approached, I kicked a boot. It hit him right above the eye.

"Of course, he rose to have a go at me and the players stopped him. 'Sit down,' I said. 'You've let your team down. You can argue as much as you like.'

"I called him in the next day to go through the video and he still would not accept his mistake. As he sat listening to me, he didn't say a word. Not a word.

"'Do you understand what we're talking about, why we got on to you?' I asked. He didn't even answer me.

"The next day the story was in the press. In public, an Alice band highlighted the damage inflicted by the boot.

"It was in those days that I told the board David had to go."

After helping Real Madrid win La Liga, Beckham moving to the United States, where he guided LA Galaxy to victory in the MLS Cup.

"I imagine he also had his eyes on Hollywood and the impact it would have on the next phase of his career," Ferguson added.

"There was no footballing reason to go to America."

Keane was another who Ferguson decided was no longer wanted at Old Trafford.

The Scot describes how his relationship deteriorated with the Republic of Ireland midfielder, to the point that he became a negative influence at the club.

"With Roy, there were episodes of great friction and drama as he tried to impose his will on the team," wrote Ferguson.

"On one occasion, as I came in to the dressing room, Roy and Ruud van Nistelrooy were at it, hammer and tongs. They had to be pulled apart by the players.

"At least Van Nistelrooy had the courage to stand up to Roy, because not everyone did. He was an intimidating, ferocious individual. His mode when angry was to attack, lay into people."

Keane left United in November 2005, just a few weeks after angering Ferguson for criticising team-mates in an interview for MUTV.

Ferguson also allowed Ronaldo to leave Old Trafford, but only after Real Madrid had agreed to pay £80m for the winger.

"Cristiano was the most gifted player I managed," wrote Ferguson. "He surpassed all the other great ones I coached at United - and I had many.

"The only ones who could be placed near him would be a couple of the home-produced players, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, because they contributed so prodigiously to Manchester United for two decades."

Ferguson's trophy haul includes 13 league titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups and four League Cups.

He was replaced by fellow Scot David Moyes, who left Everton to take the Old Trafford job.

Under Moyes, the defending Premier League champions have made their worst league start in 24 years and lie eighth in the table, eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

Related articles

• When is Sir Alex Ferguson's book out? All you need to know about the book's launch
• Ferguson explains Beckham departure
• Wayne Rooney let off lightly as Sir Alex Ferguson reserves wrath for others
• Alex Ferguson says he reveal all on Wayne Rooney and other in new book
• Sir Alex Ferguson autobiography: 10 things we learned
• Ferguson: Stam sale my biggest regret at Man Utd

View from the Top - Sir Bobby Charlton

“Some people tell me that we professional players are soccer slaves. Well, if this is slavery, give me a life sentence.”

Sir Bobby Charlton

Related articles

• United get ready for a Special One
• PSG and Man Utd Preparing to launch bid for Madrid's Varane
• "There's no getting rid of me": Sir Alex Ferguson says he has no plans to leave Old Trafford
• Ferguson eyes Reds director role
• Sir Bobby Charlton hosts Hillsborough families at Old Trafford for Manchester United v Liverpool
• Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United director role is 'long time away'

Moyes Confident United About Signings

Getty Images

Manchester United manager David Moyes is confident he will add to his squad this summer, but has yet to decide whether he will make a third bid for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

United have had two bids rejected for the 26-year-old with Barcelona insistent he is not for sale.

"I couldn't tell you if there will be another bid [for Fabregas]," he said.

"I never at any time said I knew we would get him. We will take stock and consider what we are going to do next."

The Premier League champions have failed with two bids for the former Arsenal player, the latest of which is understood to be £30m, plus add-ons.

United's only summer signing has been Uruguayan right-back Guillermo Varela, but Moyes said: "I am quite confident we will add to the squad.

"But what we have here is a really good squad of players already. You mustn't forget about the quality that is already here at Manchester United."

Moyes also revealed that captain Nemanja Vidic will feature in a friendly at Crewe on Monday after recovering from a back problem that kept him out of the tour to Asia.

Wayne Rooney - who pulled out of the tour with a hamstring injury - will not be fit to feature at Gresty Road but should be fit to face Swedish side AIK Fotboll on 6 August.

Related articles

• David Moyes plays a waiting game with Cesc Fabregas
• Manchester United Transfer News: Fabregas Bid Extending Summer of Disappointment
• Manchester United will not sell Wayne Rooney even if Fábregas arrives
• Cesc Fabregas deal not dead, insists Manchester United manager David Moyes
• Man United hoping for Fabregas transfer breakthrough in 48 hours
• Manchester United confident Cesc Fabregas will join...even though he'd rather return to Arsenal

ARCHIVES - Managers and Rear View Mirrors

It is often said that dogs look like their owners with the passing of time. In football there is yet to be an equivalent dictum, but a lot can be said about a manager’s thoughts process by the players he purchases. It can also reflect the type of player he was in his own time, with some matters much forgotten, when as a manager the same individuals project an air of authority. For Roberto Mancini at Manchester City there are numerous examples in his own career that easily relate to behaviour of Mario Balotelli and Carlos Tevez . Both very talented footballers on the field, but short on discipline, and sometimes so full of self belief that playing for the team falls by the wayside. 

In Mancini’s career at Sampdoria he had well documented training pitch rows with a number of more senior players, including the expensive imports such as Trevor Francis, Liam Brady and former United midfielder, Juan Sebastian Veron. When Arrigo Sacchi refused to guarantee him a place on the national team for the 1994 World Cup, Roberto retired from international football. Indeed his departure from Leicester in 2001 was less than formal, choosing to phone the club from Italy when offered a managerial position at Fiorentina. All of which sounds vaguely Tevez like in many ways. 

Having said that his achievements, for Internazionale at the cauldron that is San Siro, in the shadow of AC, were masterful with only failure in the Champions League bringing him down, and leading to his sacking in 2008. But it was after he had delivered three Serie A titles, 2 Coppa Italia’s and one Super Coppa. 

Just not enough for club owner, Massimo Moratti. Now at Manchester City, Mancini may find that one FA Cup may not be enough for Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan either. All not helped by the notoriety of Balotelli’s dalliances on the front of the tabloids. 

It is not hard to see why Jose Mourinho, when he replaced Mancini at Inter, dropped the young Italian prospect from the squad, after continuing disciplinary actions. In fact one time Mourinho brought him on in a Champions League semi-final, Balotelli did so under protest as he had not started the match. In the end he contributed little to the efforts. 

"The guy has incredible qualities, but sometimes does not know how to use his brain,” said Mourinho when Mancini was trying to sign Mario for City. 

"Let me give an example of when we played at home in the semi-final of the Champions League against Barcelona and he would not take the field. 

"I threw him into the fray and Mario was static, not even giving a hand in defence." 

After almost two seasons with Roberto Mancini little has changed with stories of fireworks going off at a house party, late night visit to a strip club, rumours of training field rows, a bizarre appearance at an Inter press conference and then a crash in his Bentley on Good Friday – it all seems a recipe for continued catastrophe. 

Mancini said he could understand why his squad sometimes got frustrated with the enigmatic 21-year-old striker. The City boss said: "I told him, if you played with me 10 years ago I would give you every day maybe one punch in your head. 

"There are different ways to help a guy like Mario." 

Mancini added: "I don't speak with him every day, otherwise I would need a psychologist, but I speak with him because I don't want him to lose his quality. 

"If Mario is not one of the best players in the world it will be his fault, because he has everything. 

"Mario can be one of the top players in Europe. I don't want him to lose his talent 

Further up the M6 the issues for the manager are to make an enthusiastic and energetic Andy Carroll deliver on his thirty five million pound promise, an added frustration to Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish. Who as a player himself made more effort on the field than any other, given his natural talent and ability. But it maybe the curse of the modern game for the passionate Dalglish who seems confused when players don’t respond as he did on the playing field on playing for the Reds. To see the club fail over recent weeks is the antithesis of the Liverpool of his time, who used to just get stronger as the season reached its conclusion. Often competing on the domestic and European front – successfully during the month of May. 

This season it does not look the same vintage with Carroll so closely identified with Kenny that it adds to the burden. And with US owners, keen on winning to help the franchise fund its debt, the reliance on passion, love and commitment to Liverpool Football Club may not be enough. 

Whatever happens what is clear that Andy Carroll is not a striker in Kenny’s likeness, and not since the days of John Toshack has the club really sought the route 1 approach to success. As almost the inventors of possession football in England during those heady European Cup days, the formula with Big Tosh was really the continuous scurrying of one little Kevin Keegan, who chased and rallied every bounce of the ball. When Dalglish arrived as King Kev’s replacement his game plan was the same and it delivered success year on yer, ably supported with the legendary wing play at Anfield. Which over the years had come from the likes of Heighway, Barnes, Beardsley and so on. 

In fact the last FA Cup final appearance at Wembley in 1996 the two players up front were Robbie Fowler and Stan Collymore, playing the traditional style of football fostered by the boot room and guided by Roy Evans on this occasion. Albeit unsuccessfully on the day in what was a poor spectacle against Manchester United. 

At Old Trafford the mystery will always remain as to the reasons why the games most successful manager acquired Juan Sebastian Veron, a player that offered the exact opposite of the style he had pursued since his first days at Aberdeen. Although very talented, skilful and a precision passer of a foot ball, his lack of industry and physicality in the middle of the park contrast starkly to the countless names that have passed through Fergie’s teams. Even today Dimitar Berbatov struggles to find his place with the work rate of Chicharrito, Rooney or Danny Wellbeck. Or up against the work rate of one Antonio Valencia for example. 

But with yet another Premier League title within his grasp few will dare remind of Sir Alex of his Veron moment. 

For Mancini though, it is a showdown on Sunday with Arsenal that will define his adventure in the Premier League, as it will be Manchester City’s last chance to keep the race alive. For that he will really need his mirror images – Balotelli and Tevez – to be at full strength. 

In fact on the day he needs footballing fireworks to have any chance. 

© OSM

Sir Alex Calls United Time

Sir Alex Ferguson will step down as Manchester United manager at the end of the season after 26 years in charge.

The Scot, 71, has won 38 trophies during his reign at Old Trafford and will now become a director and ambassador for the club.

His haul includes 13 league titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups and four League Cups.

"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about. It is the right time," Ferguson said.

Everton's David Moyes and Jose Mourinho, currently at Real Madrid, are the bookmakers' frontrunners to take over.

Ferguson believes he is leaving United in good shape, saying: "The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success."

His final game will be against West Brom and will be his 1500th in charge at United.

United co-chairman Joel Glazer hails Ferguson's dedication to United, saying: "His determination to succeed and dedication to the club have been truly remarkable."

Chief executive David Gill believes the Scot can be proud of his legacy. He said: "What he has done for this club and for the game in general will never be forgotten."

Ferguson, who will undergo hip surgery in the summer, is confident his successor will take over a club in good health after winning their 20th top-flight title 17 days ago.

"It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so," he said.

"The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one."

Ferguson praised the people he felt helped him build the club from a team that had not won a title for 26 years into one of the biggest in the world.

"I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential," he added.

"My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me.

"As for my players and staff, past and present, I would like to thank them all for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to deliver so many memorable triumphs. Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich.

"In my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular, gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a football team.

"Over the past decade, the Glazer family have provided me with the platform to manage Manchester United to the best of my ability and I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a talented and trustworthy Chief Executive in David Gill. I am truly grateful to all of them.

"To the fans, thank you. The support you have provided over the years has been truly humbling. It has been an honour and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to lead your club and I have treasured my time as manager of Manchester United."

Ferguson is the most successful manager in the history of the British game and famously won a treble in 1999.

Co-chairman Joel Glazer highlighted Ferguson's desire to continue to produce winning teams throughout his time at United.

He said: "Alex has proven time and time again what a fantastic manager he is, but he's also a wonderful person.

"His determination to succeed and dedication to the club have been truly remarkable.

"I will always cherish the wonderful memories he has given us, like that magical night in Moscow [when United won the Champions League]."

Fellow co-chairman Avie Glazer expressed how important the United board felt it was to ensure Ferguson continued working for the club despite his decision to step down as manager.

Ferguson's Man Utd trophies

Premier League: 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013.

FA Cup: 1990, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004

League Cup: 1992, 2006, 2009, 2010

Champions League: 1999, 2008

Cup Winners Cup: 1991

Fifa Club World Cup: 2008

Uefa Super Cup: 1992

Inter-Continental Cup: 1999

FA Charity/Community Shield: 1990 (shared), 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011

di

a

Archive: Rollercoaster of success

"I am delighted to announce that Alex has agreed to stay with the club as a director," he said. "His contributions to Manchester United over the last 26 years have been extraordinary and, like all United fans, I want him to be a part of its future."

David Gill revealed Ferguson had been planning to make his succession easier by putting in place a young squad and a state-of-the-art training facility at Carrington.

He said: "I've had the tremendous pleasure of working very closely with Alex for 16 unforgettable years - through the treble, the double, countless trophy wins and numerous signings.

"We knew that his retirement would come one day and we both have been planning for it by ensuring the quality of the squad and club structures are in first-class condition.

"Alex's vision, energy and ability have built teams - both on and off the pitch - that his successor can count on as among the best and most loyal in world sport.

"The way he cares for this club, his staff and for the football family in general is something that I admire. It is a side to him that is often hidden from public view but it is something that I have been privileged to witness in the last 16 years.

"What he has done for this club and for the game in general will never be forgotten. It has been the greatest experience of my working life being alongside Alex and a great honour to be able to call him a friend."

Ferguson began his playing career at Queen's Park as a 16-year-old striker whilst working as an apprentice tool-worker at Clyde Shipyards.

Ferguson in numbers

1: Knighthood from the Queen in June 1999

2: Champions League titles against Bayern Munich in 1999 and Chelsea in 2008

5: Teams managed by Ferguson - East Stirling 1974, St Mirren 1975-78, Aberdeen 1978-1986, Scotland 1985-86, Man Utd 1986-2013

6: Clubs as a player - Queen's Park, St Johnstone, Dunfermline, Rangers, Falkirk, Ayr

9: Scottish and English FA Cup titles

17: Games missed due to touchline bans.

26: Years since United had won the title before Ferguson's triumph in 1993

38: Trophies won at Old Trafford

49: Trophies won as a manager with Manchester United, Aberdeen and St Mirren.

104: Players bought while at Manchester United. The first was Liam O'Brien, for £60,000 from Shamrock Rovers in November 1986. The last was Wilfried Zaha, signed from Crystal Palace for fee rising to £15m.

170: Goals scored during his playing career

370: Appearances as a player

1498: Games at Manchester United, with 894 wins, 337 draws and 267 defeats

His most notable spell as a player came in a two-year stint at Glasgow Rangers from 1967. He retired as a player in 1974 when he was on Ayr United's books.

He began his managerial career as a 32-year-old at East Stirlingshire before moving to St Mirren, where he won his first trophy by taking the Scottish first division title in 1977.

Ferguson's talent at building winning teams became apparent after he took over at unfashionable Aberdeen and turned them into a major force in a league where Rangers and Celtic had dominated.

His crowning moment was winning the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1983 by beating Real Madrid 2-1 in the final

He also won three Scottish titles, four Scottish FA Cups and one League Cup during his time at Pittodrie and that success saw him land the United job, taking over from Ron Atkinson on 6 November 1986.

Current Blackpool manager Paul Ince won two league titles, two FA Cups, a European Cup Winners' Cup medal and a League Cup during his time playing for Ferguson at United.

He told Sky Sports News: "I'm totally shocked. What he's done is unbelievable. You'll never see anyone of his kind again.

"Two weeks ago he was talking about staying on for another two years, so it's a massive, massive shock.

"The man was immense and he got the best out of me that's for sure. The way he treated me was like a son."

The Manchester United squad were officially informed by Ferguson before training today as they prepare for Sunday's match against Swansea, where the Scot will take charge of a team at Old Trafford for a final time.

Related articles

• Sir Alex Ferguson Retires, Man Utd Confirms
• Sir Alex Ferguson considers his future as Manchester United manager
• Report: Sir Alex Ferguson may retire from Manchester United
• Ferguson to retire at end of season
• Sir Alex Ferguson's 49 trophies - the most successful managerial career Britain has ever known
• Will it be Moyes or Mourinho? The contenders to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United