Eric Thomas Skeels was born on 27 October 1939 and is an English former footballer.
13 Facts About Eric Skeels
1.
2.
Eric Skeels played 512 games in the Football League, 507 for Stoke City.
3.
Eric Skeels is Stoke's record appearance holder having played in 597 matches in all competitions.
4.
Eric Skeels left for American side Seattle Sounders in 1976 before spending a short spell back in Stoke-on-Trent with Port Vale.
5.
Eric Skeels then became a pub landlord and played occasionally for Leek Town.
6.
Eric Skeels was born in Eccles, Lancashire and played with in the youth side of local club Stockport County.
7.
Eric Skeels was offered a contract by Birmingham manager Arthur Turner.
8.
The scout who had recommended him to Turner, Reg Savage, prompted Eric Skeels to attend trials at Stoke City.
9.
Eric Skeels did well enough and signed a professional contract in November 1958.
10.
Against Leicester City in August 1971, Eric Skeels broke his leg in a tackle with Steve Whitworth.
11.
Eric Skeels had already been awarded a joint-testimonial match with Tony Allen against Derby County in February 1969 when he was given a free transfer by Stoke in June 1976.
12.
Eric Skeels then became the owner of the Hare and Hound pub in Glossop whilst making the occasional appearance for Leek Town.
13.
Eric Skeels returned to the Potteries to keep the Noah's Ark in Newcastle-under-Lyme and has worked at Staffordshire University as a Porter.