20 Hardest Football Hardmen Of All Time

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.
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20 year old Sport Development an Coaching student who is a self confessed sports fanatic. Lifelong Bradford Bulls and Newcastle United fan who spends far too much time on the internet searching pointless sporting information, Sean is a 50 year old man in a much younger body, and particularly shows a passion for Rugby League. Follow him on twitter @seanmills9