Ex-West Brom favourite in the spotlight

Former Baggies favourite John Giles, who not only played for West Bromwich Albion but who twice managed the club as well, has signed up to be the latest guest speaker in a series of events featuring “Brum’s Finest.”

Styled as “An Evening With…..”, the event ,on Monday, 11 March, is being organised by Digbeth Dining Club in association with Birmingham Press Club.  It will take place at Hockley Social Club, 60 Hampton Street, B19 3LU, commencing at 8 pm.

The interview will be conducted by author and award-winning journalist Brian Doogan, a Birmingham Press Club member who wrote Joe Calzaghe’s Sunday Times bestselling autobiography and spent 10 years as Head of Media and Communications at Aston Villa and Everton.

“John Giles is an absolute gent and a legend of the game, in these parts and in others,” Brian said. “He was the driving, creative force of Leeds United when they were a dominating elite under Don Revie, having previously won the FA Cup with Bobby Charlton and Denis Law at Manchester United.

“He is remembered, of course, as one of the great players at West Brom, whom he also managed successfully, securing promotion and a seventh-place finish in the old First Division. As a young reporter on the Daily Express, I used to write John’s column whenever the great Jim Lawton was away or unavailable. I’m very much looking forward to what will be a great night at Hockley with a great football man,” added Brian.

Adopted Brummie John, who now lives in the city, had a playing career spanning almost 30 years – and in 2004 was voted by Football Association Ireland as the greatest Irish player of the last 50 years. His senior playing career (from 1957 to 1983) also took him to Manchester United, Leeds United, Philadelphia Fury and Shamrock Rovers and saw him make 59 appearances for the Republic of Ireland.

John had a player-manager career with the Republic of Ireland (1973-80), Shamrock Rovers (1977-1983) and West Brom in 1975-1977 before returning to the club as manager in 1984-85. Under his leadership. The Baggies won promotion from the then Second Division in 1976, finishing seventh in the First Division the following season.

A former FA Cup winner with Manchester United in 1963, John had an illustrious career with Leeds United where his midfield partnership with skipper Billy Bremner – hailed as one of the best in English and European club football – helped yield several major trophies in the most successful era in Leeds’ history.

Following his retirement from the game, John returned to Ireland  and created a new role for himself in journalism, spending 30 years as a much-respected broadcaster and pundit with RTE Sport.

Although the event starts at 8 pm, street food and drinks will be available from 5 pm.

In order to keep such regular events accessible to anyone and everyone, tickets will cost just £10 each, payable at the door or by going on to the Hockley Social Club website.  Under 18s are allowed for free when accompanied by an adult ticket-holder. The night will be informal and table bookings are not required.