Giles, Johnny (1940– )

Irish footballer, born in Cabra, Dublin. Giles scored five goals in 59 appearances for the Republic of Ireland between 1959 and 1979 and managed the Republic of Ireland team 1973–1980. He joined Manchester United from Home Farm schoolboys in Dublin at the age of 15. A gifted player, he made his senior debut for Manchester United in 1959, making 98 league appearances before being sold to Leeds United in 1964. Partnering Billy Bremner in midfield under manager Don Revie, he helped Leeds win the second division championship in his first season. This marked the beginning of a successful career for Giles, who went on to win two Division 1 championships medals, in 1969 and 1971, and two Fairs Cups (since renamed the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Cup), in 1968 and 1971. His last game for Leeds was in 1975 in the European Cup final, when they lost to Bayern Munich.

Giles spent his final two seasons in England with West Bromwich Albion. In all, he scored 99 league goals for the three clubs. As an international player he scored five goals and was capped 59 times for his country between 1959 and 1979, scoring on his 1959 debut against Sweden. He also managed the Republic of Ireland team from 1973 to 1980.