Mike Pejic, born on 25 January 1950 in Chesterton, Staffordshire, England, is a name remembered fondly in the world of English football. Coming from a working-class family of Serbian descent, Pejic’s passion for football started at a young age when he kicked a ball around the streets and local fields of Staffordshire. His natural athletic ability, determination, and strong defensive instincts soon caught the attention of scouts, leading him into the professional football world.
Growing up in a community where football was part of everyday life, Pejic developed a competitive edge and a tenacity that became trademarks of his career. He was not simply a player with technical ability; he was known for his work rate, discipline, and sheer will to win.
Breakthrough at Stoke City
Mike Pejic’s professional career began at Stoke City in 1968, where he quickly established himself as a promising left-back. His commitment to defending and his readiness to attack when needed made him a vital part of Stoke’s squad. He wasn’t just about solid defending—his overlapping runs and accurate crosses added an extra dimension to the team’s play.
The early 1970s were a golden period for Stoke City, and Pejic was central to this success. Under manager Tony Waddington, Stoke became known for their exciting football and resilience. The highlight of Pejic’s career at Stoke came in 1972, when he played a crucial role in the club’s League Cup victory—still one of Stoke City’s most celebrated achievements.
Pejic’s commitment to the game was evident in every performance. His fearless tackling and boundless energy made him a favourite with the fans, though his passion occasionally led to disciplinary issues. He once received a five-match suspension for an incident on the pitch, but this never overshadowed his reputation as one of the best defenders of his generation.
Move to Everton and Challenges
In 1976, Pejic made a high-profile move to Everton for £135,000, a significant fee at the time. At Goodison Park, he continued to impress with his defensive solidity and professional approach. Everton fans admired his determination, but his time there was interrupted by serious injuries.
A broken leg during his Stoke career had already tested his resilience, and further injury setbacks at Everton limited his appearances. Despite these challenges, Pejic remained committed, showcasing his mental strength as much as his footballing skill. Injuries may have shortened his peak years, but they never diminished his reputation as a quality left-back.
Final Years at Aston Villa
Pejic’s playing career concluded at Aston Villa, where he joined in 1979. Unfortunately, injury troubles persisted, and he was unable to secure a regular place in the squad. By 1980, his professional playing days were over, bringing to a close a career that had spanned more than a decade at the top level of English football.
Despite the frustrations caused by injuries, Pejic’s career was admired for his consistency, bravery, and contribution to some of the most memorable moments in Stoke City’s history.
International Career with England
Mike Pejic’s performances at club level earned him recognition at the international stage. He represented England at Under-23 level, earning eight caps. In 1974, he was called up to the senior England team, where he made four appearances.
His debut came against Portugal, and he later played against Scotland and other European rivals. While his international career was relatively short, it reflected the quality he brought to the game. In an era filled with strong defenders, earning caps for England was a mark of true excellence.
Transition to Coaching and Management
After retiring from playing, Pejic moved into coaching and management. His first notable role came as a coach at Port Vale, where he was part of the staff between 1986 and 1992. During this time, Port Vale achieved success, including promotion campaigns, but his tenure ended controversially when he was dismissed. An employment tribunal later found the dismissal to be unfair, and Pejic was compensated for the decision.
He also managed clubs such as Leek Town, Northwich Victoria, and Chester City. Although his managerial career did not reach the same heights as his playing days, it allowed him to continue contributing to football.
Pejic’s coaching journey extended beyond England. He spent time abroad working with Selangor FA in Malaysia, and later took on youth development roles at clubs such as Plymouth Argyle and Ipswich Town, where he became head of academy coaching. His knowledge, experience, and dedication to nurturing young talent made him a respected figure in youth football.
Life Beyond Football
One of the most remarkable aspects of Mike Pejic’s story is what happened after his footballing career. Rather than stepping away from sport, Pejic found a new passion—taekwondo.
In his sixties, when most former athletes are content with reminiscing about past glories, Pejic pursued martial arts with the same determination he had shown on the football pitch. Training rigorously, he rose through the ranks and competed in senior-level competitions.
In 2019, he achieved the incredible feat of becoming the European Over-65 Taekwondo Champion, proving that age is no barrier to athletic achievement. Even more impressively, in 2025, at the age of 75, he secured a silver medal at the European Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in Tallinn. This extraordinary accomplishment highlighted his lifelong dedication to fitness, discipline, and competition.
Personal Life and Family Connections
Away from football and taekwondo, Mike Pejic has lived a colourful personal life. He has been married three times, with his third marriage in 2017 to Marilyn, sister of the famous singer Jackie Trent.
Sport runs in the family. His younger brother, Mel Pejic, was also a professional footballer, while his nephew, Shaun Pejic, played for Wales at Under-21 level. This sporting legacy underscores the family’s long-standing connection to professional athletics.
In addition to his sporting pursuits, Mike Pejic has contributed as a co-commentator for Stoke City matches on local radio and has written a column for The Sentinel, sharing his insights into football with a wider audience.
Legacy and Reputation
Mike Pejic’s legacy in football is that of a hard-working, passionate, and talented left-back who made a lasting impression at Stoke City and beyond. His involvement in the 1972 League Cup victory remains a highlight not just of his career, but also of Stoke City’s history.
His ability to reinvent himself after football, becoming a European taekwondo champion, has only enhanced his reputation as a remarkable sportsman. Few athletes manage to achieve success in two completely different sports, and Pejic stands out as a rare example of resilience, adaptability, and lifelong competitiveness.
Why Mike Pejic Still Matters Today
In today’s world of professional sport, where players are often defined by their short peak years, Mike Pejic represents something different. He embodies the idea that sport is not just about talent but also about character. His story is one of persistence in the face of injury, adaptability in career transitions, and the pursuit of excellence across multiple disciplines.
For younger generations, Pejic serves as an inspiration, proving that success is not confined to youth and that passion can continue to drive achievement well into later life. His name may not be as globally recognised as some of his contemporaries, but within English football and now within martial arts, he has carved a legacy that is both unique and inspiring.
Quick Facts About Mike Pejic
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Born: 25 January 1950, Chesterton, Staffordshire
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Clubs: Stoke City, Everton, Aston Villa
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England Caps: 4 senior appearances, 8 Under-23 caps
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Major Honour: 1972 League Cup with Stoke City
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Coaching Roles: Port Vale, Leek Town, Northwich Victoria, Chester City, Selangor FA, Ipswich Town Academy
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Other Sporting Achievements: European Over-65 Taekwondo Champion, European Taekwondo Poomsae silver medallist (2025)
Conclusion
Mike Pejic’s journey from the football pitches of England to the martial arts arenas of Europe is one of the most inspiring sporting stories of modern times. From battling in the First Division as a left-back to competing on the international taekwondo stage in his seventies, his life proves that true sportsmen never stop striving for excellence.
Whether as a Stoke City legend, an England international, a dedicated coach, or a taekwondo champion, Pejic has shown resilience, adaptability, and passion in every phase of his career. His name will forever be associated with the 1972 League Cup victory, but his story extends far beyond that single achievement.
