20 Hardest Football Hardmen Of All Time

By Sean Mills /

15. Johnny Giles

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players to come out of the Republic of Ireland, Johnny Giles provided the foundation for Don Revie€™s successful spell at Leeds United, and gained notoriety for being strong in the tackle and his ability to €˜police€™ the game. After some rough treatment early in his career, Giles accepted that due to his diminutive stature, he would have to become a much tougher player, and spoke of how he felt he had to become €˜a lion rather than a lamb€™ on the pitch. Regarded as one of the most complete footballers to ever ply his trade in England, Giles was part of the Busby dynasty at Manchester United before handing in a transfer request in 1963, to find himself at Second Division Leeds United. Giles would go on to form a formidable midfield partnership with Billy Bremner, as Leeds went on to enjoy the most successful period in their history.