On Thursday August 14th, the great John Giles officially retired from punditry. For 23 years, John's been an important and consistent member of the Off The Ball family.

With a very special night packed with friends and family from John's seven decades in football, we gave him the send-off he deserves. In this first of three parts, John traces his own beginnings in Ormond Square, and on to Old Trafford and his Republic of Ireland debut.

Look out for parts 2 and 3 in the days to come.