12 Facts About Noel Blake

Noel Lloyd George Blake was born on 12 January 1962 and is a former professional footballer and current coach.

Noel Blake was formerly the head coach of the England national under-19 football team.

Noel Blake played in the Football League for Aston Villa, Shrewsbury Town, Birmingham City, Portsmouth, Leeds United, Stoke City, Bradford City and Exeter City, and in the Scottish Football League for Dundee.

Noel Blake was spotted by scouts at Aston Villa who signed Blake a year later.

Noel Blake struggled to force his way into the Villa side and went out on loan to Shrewsbury Town in 1982.

Noel Blake left Villa upon his return and joined local rivals Birmingham City.

Noel Blake quickly became a fan favourite with Birmingham as he scored against Villa in December 1982.

Noel Blake spent two years with Birmingham before signing with Portsmouth on the south coast.

Whilst he did enjoy some success at 'Pompey' winning promotion as Second Division runners-up in 1987, Noel Blake had problems with racial abuse from his own supporters, at a time when racism was still rife in English football.

Noel Blake joined Bradford permanently and latter played for Scottish side Dundee before ending his playing career with Exeter City.

Noel Blake held the position of manager of Exeter City from January 2000 until September 2001.

Noel Blake was placed in charge of the England under-19 team in 2009, leading the side to the semi-finals of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in both 2010 and 2012 before leaving the Football Association in June 2014.