Cyril Barry Knowles (13 July 1944 – 30 August 1991) was a footballer who played left-back for Tottenham Hotspur and England. He was the son of the rugby league footballer Cyril Knowles, and the older brother of fellow professional footballer Peter Knowles.
Playing career
Early career
Knowles was born in Fitzwilliam, West Yorkshire, and started his career as a left winger with local side Hemsworth before rejection from three of the country's leading sides – Manchester United, Blackpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers – left him questioning his future prospects as a professional footballer.
Middlesbrough
However, Middlesbrough recognised his talents as a potential left-back and Knowles was accepted into their amateur squad. He made his debut late in the 1962–63 season and after just 39 first team appearances legendary Spurs manager Bill Nicholson signed Knowles in 1964 for £45,000.
![]() English Football League Cup 1972-1973 Tottenham | ![]() UEFA Cup 1971-1972 Tottenham | ![]() English Football League Cup 1970-1971 Tottenham | ![]() English FA Community Shield 1967 Tottenham |
![]() English FA Cup 1966-1967 Tottenham |
![]() 1963-1964 |
![]() 1964-1976 |
![]() 1967-1968 |