Get acquainted with John Giles: A comprehensive life chronicle of the Irish football star

Irish association football manager and former player Michael John Giles is best known for his tenure as a midfield player with Leeds United in the 1960s and 1970s. He was a senior analyst for RTÉ Sport's association football coverage from 1986 to 2016. He rose to fame in 2004 after he was named the best Irish player by the Football Association of Ireland.

John became the cornerstone of one of the greatest teams of the 1960s and 1970s after relocating to Leeds United in 1963. He spent nearly two decades as a player for the Republic of Ireland. The Leeds United legend later took managerial roles with teams like West Bromwich Albion, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Shamrock Rovers.

John Giles' profile summary

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John Giles' biography

John Giles (age 83 as of January 2024) was born on 6 November 1940 in Ormond Square, Dublin, Ireland, to a well-known soccer player, Christy Giles. He attended Westwood High School, where he graduated in 1978. After that, he enrolled at Brigham Young University and graduated with a political science degree in 1984.

Growing up in the working-class neighbourhood of Ormond Square in inner-city Dublin, John honed many skills he would need to succeed as a professional football player. His father, Christy, who managed Drumcondra in the 1940s and played for Bohemians in the 1920s, encouraged him to get into the game.

Sports career of John Giles

Before starting his career with Manchester United in 1956, Giles was spotted in Dublin while playing for Stella Maris, states FAI. He was also chosen to play for the Republic of Ireland team by age 18. The player's first season at Leeds resulted in the team winning the Second Division, and he quickly developed into one of the best central midfielders in England.

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With 67 points from 42 games at two points for a win in the 1968/69 season, a record that remained intact for the next ten seasons, he played a crucial role in Leeds' victory as the league's top team.

Giles had another outstanding season in 1970 as Leeds attempted to win three trophies but were unsuccessful; Everton won the League; Chelsea won the FA Cup following a replay; and Celtic defeated Leeds in the semi-finals of the European Cup.

Despite his outstanding play during Leeds' European campaign, John was no longer a given for the starting lineup. While still playing for and managing the Irish team, the legend accepted an offer from West Bromwich Albion in June 1975 to become their player-manager after making an appearance in the 1975 finals.

John Giles' teams

John Giles was one of the greatest players to ever don a green shirt, with a 20-year international career. In 1959, while adjusting to Manchester United, he debuted at Dalymount Park against Sweden, where he scored Ireland's first goal. Throughout his playing career, he made 620 appearances, and scored 112 goals and played for;

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• 1956 - 1963 (Manchester United)
• 1963 - 1975 (Leeds United)
• 1975 - 1977 (West Bromwich Albion)
• 1978 (Philadelphia Fury)
• 1977 - 1983 (Leeds United)

When did John Giles leave Leeds United?

He left Leeds in 1975 after 386 appearances and 86 goals.

When did John Giles retire from football?

After appearing in the 1975 finals when Leeds lost to Bayern Munich, Giles accepted an offer in June 1975 from West Bromwich Albion to become their player-manager.

John Giles' net worth

As of January 2024, the legendary Leeds United player has a net worth of about $6 million, as per Net Worth Post. His primary career as a soccer player has brought him this significant amount of wealth.

Frequently asked questions

The Leeds United legend is widely considered one of the best Irish footballers the world has ever seen. Here are some of the most popular questions about him.

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1. What happened to John Giles?

The former professional athlete resides in the Harborne area of Birmingham, England. In 2010, his autobiography, A Football Man, became the bestselling book in the Republic of Ireland.

2. Is John Giles related to Christy Giles?

Christy Giles, his father, played for Bohemians in the 1920s and won a league title in his first season at Dalymount Park.

3. Is John Giles married?

The well-decorated athlete has been married to his spouse, Anne Dolan, for over four decades. They have five kids who are also into sports.

Final word

Many consider John Giles among the best football players from the Republic of Ireland. Remarkably successful former managers like Alf Ramsey, Matt Busby, and Brian Clough have paid Giles high tributes thanks to his commendable skills. In November 2021, Giles was inducted into the FAI Hall of Fame.

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