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.
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John Giles' Biography
John Giles was born on November 6, 1940, in Ormond Square, Dublin, Ireland. He is the son of Christy Giles, a well-known soccer player. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, John was encouraged by his father's passion for football, which helped him develop his skills and pursue a career in sports.
He attended Westwood High School and graduated in 1978. After completing his education, he furthered his studies at Brigham Young University, earning a degree in political science in 1984.
Sports Career of John Giles
John started his professional career with Manchester United in 1956 after being discovered while playing for Stella Maris in Dublin. By the age of 18, he was already representing the Republic of Ireland at the international level. His first season at Leeds United led to the team winning the Second Division, showcasing his talent as one of the top midfielders in England.
During his time at Leeds, he played a crucial role in the team's success, achieving a record of 67 points in the 1968/69 season that stood for a decade. In 1970, despite Leeds' attempts to capture three trophies, they faced tough competition from other clubs. After a successful playing career, Giles transitioned into coaching and management, taking on roles with various teams.
John Giles' Profile Summary
| Full Name | Michael John Giles |
| Date of Birth | 6 November 1940 |
| Age | 83 years (as of January 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Dublin, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (170 cm) |
| Weight | 207 pounds (94 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Spouse | Anne Dolan |
| Parents | Christy Giles |
| Kids | 5 |
| Occupation | Former association football player and manager |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
Frequently Asked Questions
John Giles is often regarded as one of the best Irish footballers. Here are some common questions about his life and career:
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 a bestseller in the Republic of Ireland.
2. Is John Giles related to Christy Giles? Yes, Christy Giles is his father, who played for Bohemians in the 1920s and won a league title in his first season.
3. Is John Giles married? Yes, he has been married to Anne Dolan for over four decades and they have five children who are also involved in sports.
John Giles continues to be an influential figure in Irish football, leaving a lasting legacy through his playing and coaching career.
