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Norbert "Nobby" Peter Stiles MBE, (May 18 1942—), is a former English football player. He was a member of the England side that won the 1966 World Cup, and is best remembered, above all of his achievements as a player, for his victory dance with the Jules Rimet trophy following England's win (this dance was even referenced in the song Three Lions).
Playing career
Stiles was born in the Collyhurst area of Manchester, an area which was also the birthplace of future teammate Brian Kidd; he grew up as a supporter of Manchester United. He achieved his childhood dream when, in September 1957, he signed an amateur contract with the club. He made his professional debut with the club as a full-back on October 1, 1960 against Bolton Wanderers. He quickly earned a reputation as one of the tough-tackling "hard men" who were a common feature of English football during the 1960s and 1970s.
Before he left the club in 1971 Stiles won the Old First Division twice (1965 and 1967), and the European Cup in 1968, as well as the World Cup with England. He played 392 games and scored 19 goals for the Red Devils.
Stiles was sold in 1971 to Second Division side Middlesbrough for a fee of £20,000. After two years with the club he rejoined former Manchester United teammate Bobby Charlton at Preston North End as a player-coach, later going on to manage the side from 1977 to 1981. At the age of 39 Stiles was attracted by money to play in the North American Soccer League for Canadian outfit Vancouver Whitecaps. After three years with the side Stiles ended his playing career, during which he had earned 28 caps, and scored one goal, for England.
After football
On September 29, 1985 Stiles took over as manager of West Bromwich Albion; however, he was sacked the following February after the sides managed only three wins under his leadership, and this would prove to be his final stab at management. Between 1989 and 1993 he worked for Manchester United as their youth team coach, during this period he worked with future stars such as David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, and Paul Scholes.
Stiles was awarded his MBE in 2000 for being a part of the 1966 World Cup side: he was a member of the group of five "forgotten" winners who had to wait over three decades to receive offical recognition for their success. The others in this group were Alan Ball, Roger Hunt, Ray Wilson, and George Cohen.
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