Joe Royle

Joe Royle has never been short of opinions - a fact which makes him an ideal summariser for the BBC.

The former Manchester City and Everton manager has enjoyed a distinguished career as a player and manager.

In a career which saw the Merseysider start out as a player with Everton, he went on to play for City and Norwich before being forced to retire.

In the process of notching more than 270 appearances for Everton, he helped the club to the 1970 League title.

A £170,000 move to Maine Road followed in 1974 and he helped City claim the League Cup in his first season.

With six England caps to his credit, Royle's playing career came to a premature climax during his time at Norwich as he was forced to quit because of a knee injury.

Royle will join the team in Japan and Korea

Royle's managerial football education began shortly afterwards when he was placed in charge at Oldham in July 1982.

Oldham were beaten in the 1990 League Cup final and in the same season, reached the last four of the FA Cup losing to Manchester United.

Royle guided the Latics to the Division Two championship crown in 1990/1991.

In November 1994 he joined Everton for his most successful stint as a manager.

Under Royle Everton reached the final of the 1995 FA Cup where they beat Manchester United - the last time an English manager won the prestigious trophy.

The following season, Everton finished sixth in the Premiership.

He joined another former club - Manchester City - in February 1998.

During his time there the club were relegated and promoted back to the Premiership a season later.

But his forthright style eventually cost him his job at Maine Road.

Royle will join the extensive BBC Sport team in Korea and Japan as a summariser.