Then and Now

The Nobby Stiles jig after England won the World Cup in 1966 has become part of English football folklore. Nobby also won the European Cup with Manchester United and went on to coach the David Beckham generation of youngsters at Old Trafford. Now retired, he is happily recovered from a mild heart attack he suffered in 2002.

Then - Were Portugal the best team you played in 1966?

In terms of flair and pure footballing ability, they were the best. They had a lot of talent but the way they played always gave you a chance as well.

Every team was difficult in its own way. The hardest match we played was Argentina because they wanted to spoil the match; Uruguay got everyone behind the ball and West Germany had the iron mentality. But, as a football team, Portugal were a cut above everyone else and we gave a great performance to beat them 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final.

Now - Which is David Beckham's best position?

I coached Beckham at United when he was 16 and I’ve always thought he had the ability to be a top central midfield player. I think that’s where his future should lie.

We went to a prestigious youth tournament in Ireland called the Milk Cup and Beckham was captain. Liverpool had the likes of Robbie Fowler playing but we won the tournament. David works his socks off and he has greater strength than people think.

At United youth level, he always had Nicky Butt as a midfield minder and I think Steve Gerrard could do that with England. So I would play him as central midfielder, he seems to enjoy it with Real Madrid.

Then - How did you cope with Eusebio in '66?

I had played against Eusebio for Manchester United in the European Cup earlier in the season, so it gave me an idea of his strength. I knew you couldn’t let him free anywhere near the goal because of his shot.

For United, David Sadler used to pick him up whenever Eusebio dropped deep but we played things a bit differently for England. I was the one who was designated to follow him around, because my strength was tackling.

It gave Bobby Moore more freedom to move forward than he’d enjoyed in the rest of the World Cup and it worked very well.

I met up with Eusebio again in the 1968 European Cup Final and several times since – I have to say he is a terrific feller. Never used to complain on the field and a great bloke off it.

Now - What would you do if you were Nicky Butt?

My advice would be to stop at Old Trafford. I know it must be frustrating for him being in and out of the side and he is worried it could affect his England position, but I think he should show a little patience and work things out at United. Not many players reach the same level after they have left, you know.

Then - Were you surprised to be part of the 1966 World Cup?

People don’t remember I was a centre-half for Manchester United and I only made my England Under-23 debut a month before my 23rd birthday.

Sir Alf Ramsey wanted me to play in midfield and I actually complained to my United coach Wilf McGuinness, who also worked with the Under-23s. I said ‘Wilf, have a word with Alf – I am making my name as a centre-back with United, I don’t want to change’.

Alf told me that he already had Bobby Moore and Norman Hunter at the back (Jack Charlton was a late call-up), so it was up to me. I decided playing in midfield was better than nowhere – and look how it turned out! Alf was a tactician ahead of his time, by putting me in midfield he gave the team extra solidity.

Now - Is Nobby Stiles still a football fan?

Oh yes. When I had my mild heart attack in 2002 I found watching the World Cup on television a great tonic. I’ve given up smoking since then, put on a stone-and-a-half because of it but feel much better for it.

I’m looking forward to Euro 2004 and I think Wednesday’s match against Portugal will be a good test because Portuguese teams always try to play football. So they come up with a few good tests but at the same time your skilful players can also express themselves.

Then - How do you remember Sir Alf?

He was a clever man. He never laid down the law, the day before a match he would get the players together and ask us how we should cope with the opposition danger-man and such like. Everyone would chip in and we would come up with a solution.

Chances are Alf already knew how we would play but by getting the players involved, it brought us together.

Now - Will Manchester United always remain in the blood?

My first memory is being aged six listening on the radio to Manchester United playing in the 1948 FA Cup Final.

At 16, I remember the Munich air crash and ten years later I was in the United team that won the European Cup at Wembley.

I am a proud Englishman, so it’s impossible to say whether the 1966 World Cup meant more or less than winning the European Cup with United. Let’s just say they were both wonderful memories.

Then - What about Nobby Stiles the manager?

I didn’t last too long in management. I was promoted with Preston in my first year on goal average, three years later we were relegated back to Division Three on goal average.

I had a decent career in coaching after that, particularly with Man United. I got a great deal of pleasure coaching the likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.