FOOTBALL is in mourning following the passing of England World Cup winner Nobby Stiles.
The Man Utd legend passed away on Friday, October 30 following a lengthy battle with illness.
Nobby Stiles was married to wife Kay for 57 years before his deathCredit: Rex Features
He is survived by wife Kay and his three children.
Who is Nobby Stiles’ wife Kay?
Nobby Stiles married wife Kay in 1963, three years before he famously won the World Cup.
The couple got to know each other when Stiles came through the ranks at Man Utd with Kay’s brother Johnny Giles.
Stiles would go on to spend eleven years at Manchester United between 1960 and 1971 while Republic of Ireland international Giles was sold in 1963 and would become one of the greatest players in the history of the Red Devils’ fierce rivals Leeds.
Kay Stiles was the sister of Leeds United and Ireland legend Johnny GilesCredit: PA:Press Association
The two families remained close up until Stiles’ death with Johnny Giles criticising the lack of support Nobby received from the PFA in his 18-year battle with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.
In 2017, Giles said: “He has suffered and Kay has suffered in the last few years.
“In Nobby’s case there has been no approach to Kay from the Professional Footballers Association.
“As far as I know, there is a policy that you have to approach the PFA [for help] and Kay wouldn’t do that anyway. Most people wouldn’t.
“You are putting out the begging bowl and most people have their pride.”
What as Nobby Stiles’ famous jig?
Stiles (left) was most famous for performing a jig with the World Cup trophyCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
After England beat Germany in the 1966 World Cup final, Nobby Stiles broke into a dance while holding the Jules Rimet Trophy.
Playing in holding midfield, Stiles was known as a tough-tackling hardman throughout his career, so the euphoric jig became famous as it contrasted so starkly to the way he played.
Commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme even said on the day: “I have never seen Nobby Stiles like this before!”
As one of the most memorable moments in English football history, the jig would earn a line in Baddiel, Skinner and the Lightning Seeds’ Three Lions 30 years later.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
