John Giles: Fans memories of 'The General' - a Leeds United midfield maestro

It is said John Giles could place the ball on a sixpence from a distance of fifty yards with either foot. He made made an immediate impact when he signed for the Whites from Manchester United in August 1963 helping them win promotion to Division One after a seven year hiatus.

And he would go on to form a formidable midfield partnership with Billy Bremner during the club's most successful period in its history in the 1960s and 1970s. He made more than 500 appearances for the Whites scoring 114 goals and was voted seventh in the official list of the club's 100 greatest players.

Don Revie recommended to the club's board of directors that Giles, at the time nearly 34 and approaching the end of his playing career, should be his successor. The board instead appointed Brian Clough. Giles went on to manage West Brom and the Republic of Ireland, for whom he was capped 59 times scoring five goals.

Your YEP has been asking the Elland Road faithful to share memories of Leeds United's number 10. Here is what they had to say about the player nicknamed 'The General':

Peter Collins - Giles was one of those rare breeds of player who had both sublime skill and granite toughness. He could spray a pass 30 yards across the field and land it on a matchstick. Don Revie recommended him to the board as his successor, and had they taken that advice, I believe we would have been more successful, as he did a great job as manager of West Brom and the Republic of Ireland.

Graham Turvill - Without doubt one of our most inspirational players. Watch those old games back, assists and goals, great tackles. This man could still hold a place in modern football.

Mark Aston - My favourite Leeds player. Pure class.

Neil Abbott - One of the best passers of a football I've ever seen. Like all world class players always in space.

Mark Sweeney - General Giles. What a legend.

Don Fletcher - Without doubt, Johnny Giles was THE best midfielder of his time, a genius.

Graham Caney - Leeds United made the biggest mistake in their history not making him manager instead of Clough. I'm convinced we would have had a different history.

Jim Ward - A 'Total Footballer'

Ronnie Hodgkiss - Absolute perfect midfield general. Could put a ball on a six pence piece.

Peter Young - He and Bremner were the Xavi and Iniesta of their day - an almost telepathic relationship, with both being able to anticipate movement and 'see' passes before the space was created, effortlessly switching the point of attack. The best we've ever had or are ever likely to have. A world class pairing.

John Cook - Part of a brilliant team and a brilliant manager. Super Leeds.

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