interview
The Best
of Everything
with Republic of Ireland and Leeds United legend Best game you’ve ever played in an Irish jersey: I have been privileged to play for my country 59 times. It was always an honour to pull on the green jersey but without doubt my most memorable game for the Republic of Ireland was my international debut against Sweden in Dalymount Park in November 1959. I was just 18 years old and scored in a game which we won 3-2. The newspapers the next day described our display as dazzling and that Ireland had found a new star. That was an incredible feeling. Best goal playing for Leeds: Having scored 115 goals for Leeds United in a 12year career at Elland Road there are quite a few contenders. However, the goal I consider my best came against our fierce rivals of the early 70’s, Derby County. Derby were the league champions in 1972 (having deprived Leeds of the title) and when they came to Elland Road in November of that year we were fired up to play our best. I scored twice that day in a 5-0 trouncing, the second of which was a long range rasper that I can still see vividly to this day. There’s no better feeling for a footballer than to score a great goal. Best footballer you’ve ever played with: The players at Leeds United were an amazingly talented group but before I joined Leeds I had spent nearly six seasons at Old Trafford with Manchester United. The player who I regard as the best is Bobby Charlton. Bobby had it all, skill, flair, determination and natural awareness. He was one of a kind and I left Man Utd before a young George Best broke into the side. Best career moment: Having come up from the Second Division with Leeds United we knew we were onto something special under manager Don Revie. We won the League Championship in the 38
E Drogheda
John Giles
1968-69 season ahead of the other established big clubs like Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal. This was my most magical career moment and it heralded in an unprecedented period of success for the club.
and even today fruit would be my first choice of snack. Best read: I love reading biographies and the one that Best football pundit: I joined the RTE soccer really stands out panel in 1986 at the suggestion of Eamon is that of former Dunphy, a move that I thought would only be American President short term. However, here I am 25 years later Lyndon B. Johnson. still in the hot seat and still enjoying every He took over minute of it. Eamon Dunphy and Liam Brady from the assassinated John F. Kennedy at a very are without doubt the top two pundits I have dangerous time in world affairs when the USA worked with. Both are intensely knowledgeable and the Soviet Union were in the middle of and passionate about The Cold War. An exhilarating read. My own the game and always autobiography ‘A Football Man’ has been very reflect their views honestly, which is great well received and dare I say it but it’s well worth reading! for the viewers. Best manager you’ve worked with: During my career at Leeds the man who was responsible for the amazing success there was Don Revie. Don knew a great player when he saw one (he did after all sign me from Man United!) and his management skills were second to none. I loved playing for him and I was really sad when he left Leeds in 1974 to take over the England job.
Best film: I love the Godfather movies (1&2). With so many great movies made down through the decades it’s hard to say which is the best but I must give a mention to a great cowboy movie called ‘Shane’ which starred Alan Ladd.
Best way to unwind: There’s nothing better than a day’s golf. A lot of professional footballers take up golf and I was no exception. Unfortunately, my Best hideaway: With golf playing such an important part of my life handicap now isn’t what it was back then but I I would have to say Hollystown Golf Course. No still enjoy it as much. pressure, no agenda, Best advice you ever received: Believe it just a fabulous day or not the best advice is always the most away from the business sensible and straight forward and in my of the football media case the advice given was ‘work hard’. world. The perfect The same applies in any sport or job, hideaway. work hard and you will reap the benefits. Best childhood memory: When I got my first Schoolboy International Cap for Ireland against England in 1956. Days like these you never forget.
The John Giles Foundation ‘Walk of Dreams’ will take place on Sunday, March 27th at 3pm. The walk will be staged in 14 different towns all over Ireland on that day with over 100,000 walkers expected to take part. Dundalk has been Best drink: My favourite tipple is chosen as the location for the Louth, Cavan, Bacardi and coke. Monaghan region with the walk commencing Best snack: As a professional from Oriel Park. For further information, log footballer I was always very conscious onto www.johngilesfoundation.com. of my diet, avoiding junk food and sugary snacks. I would snack on fruit