England to remember Stiles; mischievous and one of a kind
WEMBLEY will fall silent tonight as a mark of respect for former World Cup winner Nobby Stiles.
England’s first match since Stiles’s death on October 30 will be a poignant occasion as football pays tribute to one of its heroes.
Stiles’s passing from prostate cancer and advanced dementia, aged 78, has stoked up memories for so many.
Not least Chris Hassell, the former Yorkshire County Cricket Club chief executive, who worked with Stiles at Preston North End in the 1970s.
Hassell, the man who famously sealed Sachin Tendulkar’s signature as Yorkshire’s first overseas cricketer in 1992, was secretary at Deepdale when Stiles moved into management and coaching after a glittering career with Manchester United and England.
He remembers a warmhearted man with a mischievous sense of fun – as evidenced by the parting “gift” that Stiles and the Preston players gave him when he left to become secretary of Lancashire County Cricket Club.
“I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Nobby during my time as secretary of Preston North End FC,” said Hassell.
“Nobby was the head coach, with Harry Catterick as manager, Tom Finney as president and Mark Lawrenson as a young player – this was 1975- 78 time, and I have very fond memories of my time at Deepdale.
“When I moved on ( to become Lancashire secretary), Nobby organised the players to carry me into the dressing room where I was unceremoniously dumped into the bath fully clothed – only four feet deep though – as a fond farewell.
“I obviously needed a tracksuit to go home in following my dousing, and Nobby lent me
his, being of similar stature,” he added.
Hassell was lucky enough to attend the 1966 World Cup final when Stiles helped England to a 4- 2 extra- time win against West Germany.
Images of the “Toothless Tiger” after that game will live forever; with trophy in one hand and false teeth in the other, and with his socks rolled down around his ankles, Stiles captured a nation’s heart.
“Nobby was signed for North End along with David Sadler and Francis Burns from Manchester United by Bobby Charlton, who was manager at that time,” added Hassell.
“He played for two seasons and then took over as first- team coach and later as manager.
“He was a great character who will be long remembered.”
Stiles, who also played for Middlesbrough and went on to manage Vancouver Whitecaps and West Bromwich Albion, is the seventh member of the England team that lifted the World Cup who is no longer with us.
Also departed are captain Bobby Moore, Alan Ball, Ray Wilson, Gordon Banks, Martin Peters and the legendary Leeds United defender Jack Charlton, who died in July, aged 85.
Stiles played 28 times for England and was credited with nullifying the brilliant Portuguese Eusebio during the 1966 semi- final. He won two league titles with Manchester United and the European Cup in 1968, making over 300 appearances for his hometown club.
Small in stature but with the heart of a giant, Stiles was renowned for his tough- tackling, combative style.
The Football Association is planning its own tribute tonight, which could involve projecting images of Stiles on to the Wembley scoreboard prior to the friendly against the Republic of Ireland.
Stiles, who helped develop Manchester United’s famous class of ’ 92 in his role as youthteam coach, had humility and modesty to go with the talent.
It was those personal qualities that left such an impression on the likes of Chris Hassell, and all who encountered him on a professional or personal basis.
The “Toothless Tiger” was one of a kind.