Cyril Knowles facts for kids

Cyril Barry Knowles (born July 13, 1944 – died August 30, 1991) was a famous English footballer. He played as a left-back for Tottenham Hotspur and the England national team. Cyril came from a family of athletes. His father, also named Cyril Knowles, was a rugby league player. His younger brother, Peter Knowles, also became a professional footballer.

Cyril Knowles: A Football Legend

Starting His Football Journey

Cyril Knowles was born in Fitzwilliam, West Yorkshire. He began his football career as a left winger for a local team called Hemsworth. At first, some big clubs like Manchester United didn't pick him. This made him wonder if he would ever become a professional player.

Playing for Middlesbrough

However, Middlesbrough saw his talent. They believed he could be a great left-back. Cyril joined their amateur team. He made his first team debut in the 1962–63 season. After playing just 39 games for Middlesbrough, a famous manager named Bill Nicholson noticed him. In 1964, Tottenham Hotspur signed Cyril for £45,000.

Tottenham Hotspur Star

Cyril joined Tottenham Hotspur to replace their experienced player, Ron Henry. Ron was part of the Spurs team that won the Double in 1960–61. Cyril's first game for Spurs was a 2–0 win against Sheffield United. This happened at White Hart Lane on the first day of the 1964–65 season.

Cyril played for Tottenham Hotspur for 11 years. He was known for his amazing ability to cross the ball. He created many chances for his team to score. He also formed a great partnership with right-back Joe Kinnear. Cyril helped change how full-backs played. He showed that they could also attack and help score goals.

Cyril was a key player for Spurs. He missed only one league game between 1965 and 1969. He also played for England four times. His first international game was against the Soviet Union in December 1967. He also played for the English Under-23 team six times. Cyril's chances to play more for England were limited. This was because Leeds United had another great left-back, Terry Cooper.

Cyril played his last professional game in December 1975. It was a 2–2 draw with Everton. He had to retire early at age 31 because of knee problems. Tottenham Hotspur honored his loyalty with a special match. It was against their rivals, Arsenal. In one of his final games, Cyril showed his amazing skill. Spurs needed to win against Leeds United to avoid relegation. Cyril scored two goals in a 4–2 victory. This helped keep Spurs in the top division.

He scored 17 goals in 507 games for Tottenham Hotspur. He won several trophies with the club. These included the FA Cup in 1967. He also won the League Cup in 1971 and 1973. And he earned a UEFA Cup winner's medal in 1972. After retiring, Cyril became a scout for Spurs. He also managed Hertford Town briefly in 1976. Later, he was a coach for Doncaster Rovers.

Cyril was so popular that a song was made about him. It was called "Nice One Cyril". The song reached number 14 on the UK music charts in 1973. Many people still consider him the best left-back in Tottenham Hotspur's history.

Managing Football Teams

Leading Darlington to Success

In 1981, Cyril became assistant manager at Middlesbrough. Two years later, he became manager of Darlington. They were struggling in the Fourth Division. But Cyril turned the team around. In the 1984–85 season, he led them to third place. This meant they were promoted to the Third Division. He even kept them in the Third Division the next season. He is the only manager to have done this in modern times.

Time at Torquay United

Cyril left Darlington in 1987. But he soon returned to management with Torquay United. At Torquay, he helped develop young players. One of them was Lee Sharpe, who later became a star for Manchester United. Cyril took a team that was almost relegated. He led them close to the play-offs in his first season. The next year, they reached the final of the Associate Members' Cup.

Hartlepool United's Promotion

Cyril resigned from Torquay in October 1989. But he quickly took over Hartlepool United in December. They were at the bottom of the Fourth Division. Cyril helped them improve a lot. They finished 12 points clear of relegation. The 1990–91 season was even better. Hartlepool finished third and were promoted!

Later Life and Legacy

In February 1991, Cyril was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Coach Alan Murray took over the team. Cyril could not continue managing after brain surgery. He sadly passed away on August 30, 1991, at age 47. Three months after his death, a memorial match was played at White Hart Lane. In 1995, a new stand at Hartlepool's Victoria Park stadium was named in his honor.

Honours

As a player

Tottenham Hotspur

• FA Cup: 1966–67
• Football League Cup: 1970–71, 1972–73
• FA Charity Shield: 1967 (shared)
• UEFA Cup: 1971–72; runner-up: 1973–74
• Anglo-Italian League Cup: 1971

As a manager

Darlington

• Football League Fourth Division third-place promotion: 1984–85

Torquay United

• Associate Members' Cup runner-up: 1988–89

Hartlepool United

• Fourth Division third-place promotion: 1990–91

Managerial Statistics