A place in our hearts
cal, for it was abundantly clear that Jack had a bond with the Irish people that ran as deep as the River Moy, where he liked to while away the hours doing a spot of salmon and trout fishing.
Jack may have come across as being a bit gruff and rough around the edges at times, but who isn’t, and that bluntness was part of his northern charm – a man that wouldn’t suffer fools gladly but could instantly light up any room with his mischievous grin.
He’d probably blush at the outpouring of grief and pages upon pages that have been written about him since he passed away, at the age of 85, because there was no airs and graces or frills about him .
He lived life in the way he liked football to be played, describing it as a simple game that should be played with simple tactics.
He may have had a few detractors for his style of football, but he devised a plan that worked, and the esteem in which he was held on both sides of the Irish Sea speaks volumes for the love that was out there for the Leeds United legend that made putting ’em under pressure this nation’s mantra.
Making people smile is one of the greatest presents we can bestow on others and, if that’s the case, Jack in his own understated way was the gift that kept on giving as he brought real happiness to millions, from all walks of life.
I’d be confident that I’m speaking for most of the population when I say that the Irish public will be forever grateful for those halcyon days that saw the Boys in Green proudly line out at three major tournaments in the space of six years, with Jack steering the ship in his own inimitable manner.
Those of us who experienced those joyous years in the late eighties and early nineties will always be part of Jackie’s Army and we’ll march on together forever with the beloved adopted Geordie that we all took to our hearts.
He truly was one of a kind. A champion of the people and a champion of the world.
Rest easy Big Jack.