Mike Pejic

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Mike (Mick) Pejic was a footballer (born on January 25, 1950 in Chesterton, Staffordshire, England), the son of a Serbian immigrant.

His playing career in what was then the Football League First Division (same level now as the FA Premier League) commenced in the 1968-69 season and lasted until the 1979 campaign. He also held coaching and managing positions upon retiring.

As a defender, Pejic played for Stoke City, Everton and Aston Villa. He had eight caps playing for England's U-23 squad and four more caps with the full England side. He was allegedly dropped by new caretaker England manager Joe Mercer in favour of Alec Lindsay because he "didn't smile enough".

Pejic went on to be the regional director for the North East FA and has coached such stars as Jermaine Defoe, Aaron Lennon and Stuart Downing. He then taught FA coaching courses at NWHC in Nuneaton.

In February 2007, he became Head of Youth Coaching at Championship side Plymouth Argyle.

Mike's younger brother, Mel, played for Stoke City, Hereford United and Wrexham. Shaun Pejic, the son of Mel and nephew of Mike, currently plays for Wrexham and was on the U-21 team of Wales.