Eric Skeels

Eric Thomas Skeels (born 27 October 1939) is an English former footballer. He played 512 games in the Football League, 507 for Stoke City. He is Stoke's record appearance holder having played in 597 matches in all competitions.

Skeels joined Stoke City in 1959 and soon established himself as an indispensable member of Tony Waddington's starting eleven. He could play in all outfield positions, became known for his consistency, and racked up a club record 597 appearances. During his 17-year spell at the Victoria Ground he helped Stoke to win the Second Division in 1962–63, finish as runner-up of the League Cup in 1964, before winning the competition in 1972 he also helped them to reach the semi-final of the FA Cup in 1970–71 and 1971–72. He left for American side Seattle Sounders in 1976 before spending a short spell back in Stoke-on-Trent with Port Vale. He then became a pub landlord and played occasionally for Leek Town.

Career Stoke City Skeels was born in Eccles, Lancashire and played with in the youth side of local club Stockport County. Playing as an inside-forward for County's Central League side, he attracted the attention of Birmingham City. He played five Third Division matches for the "Valiants" in the 1976–77 season, scoring once against Walsall.

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1959–60 Second Division

1960–61 Second Division

1961–62 Second Division

1962–63 Second Division

1963–64 First Division

1964–65 First Division

1965–66 First Division

1966–67 First Division

1967–68 First Division

1968–69 First Division

1969–70 First Division

1970–71 First Division

1971–72 First Division

1972–73 First Division

1973–74 First Division

1974–75 First Division

1975–76 First Division

507!!7!!43!!0!!38!!0!!9!!0!!597!!7 Cleveland Stokers (loan) 1967 United Soccer Association

Seattle Sounders 1976 North American Soccer League

Port Vale 1976–77 Third Division

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Honours Stoke City Football League Second Division: 1962–63 League Cup: 1972; runner-up: 1964 Watney Cup: 1973