RTÉ ANNOUNCED TODAY that John Giles, their senior football analyst, will leave his role after Euro 2016 this summer.
The 75-year-old has spent the last 31 years with the state broadcaster following his illustrious playing days and extensive management career.
He’s guided Irish football fans through so many highs and lows over the years, bouncing off the late Bill O’Herlihy, Eamon Dunphy and co. along the way.
Never shy to make his views known or engage in an on-air barney with a fellow pundit, there is no shortage of gems in the Giles archive.
‘Would he kill his granny to win a game?’
Killer instinct is one thing, but Giles admires the player who will go the extra mile for the win – someone who will do whatever it takes, like his former team-mate Bobby Collins, to get the job done.
‘You can tell by his face he’s a bit of a headbanger’
Giles appreciates subtlety, especially when it comes to the off-the-ball stuff.
‘It will also show you that Van Persie is a prat’
Why don’t you tell us how you really feel, John.
This one turned into a proper rant, glasses on and all.
‘Most wingers are a bit brainless’
Look away now, those of you who love hugging the touchline.
‘I played in a lot of big matches, so did Didi……eh…no disrespect Richie’
Sadlier took this one on the chin, to be fair. Although he had to, as Giles winds up for some big-match insight.
‘She seemed a very attractive girl’
Not his finest Montrose moment.
Giles may be a fan of Gabby Logan’s looks but not her interview skills, it seems. This is the same woman whose father, Terry Yorath, played with Giles at Leeds United.
Luckily Dunphy stepped in to tidy this one up.
‘Eboo, Eboo, Ebow, Boo…’
Try watch this without giggling. Happens the best of us.
Giles is a true Irish football legend who has done it all.
He might be leaving RTÉ but he will continue to write his newspaper column and work as a pundit with Newstalk.
We wish him a memorable Euro 2016 to sign off from his career with the state broadcaster.
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