‘TANNER’
Father-in-law’s precious final ticket pinched
Sir Bobby, 82, Gordon, 77, and Tommy, 74, are not in good health but will try to gather for the final farewell to Big Jack, who died at the age of 85 on Friday.
The occasion would have been attended by a roll call of football legends if not for the pandemic.
Coronavirus restrictions mean that only about 20 close relatives will be allowed into next Tuesday’s service.
But fans will be given the chance to pay tribute as the cortege passes through his home town of Ashington, Northumberland, at around 10am.
It will travel along streets where he and Bobby used to play before becoming the world’s most famous football brothers.
There will be a stop at Hurst Park, where the pair loved a kickabout as boys, close to their old terrace house at 114 Beatrice Street, before the cortege travels to Newcastle for the latemorning funeral.
Since Jack’s death his family has received condolences from across the globe, from Tasmania to the Cayman Islands – and above all from Ireland.
Jack’s son John, 61, and his Irish-born wife Deirdre, 44, told how countless fans were touched by his spell as Republic of Ireland manager 30 years ago. Many backed the Mirror’s call to give Jack a posthumous knighthood.
John feels all the heroes of 1966 should have received the honour.
“That should have been done more than 50 years ago, really,” he said. “It was the first time England had won a World Cup. Yet we have seen other champions receive the knighthood straight away.
“The 1966 team were recognised for their achievements by everyone apart from the establishment.”
Jack died as he had lived – with his loving family close beside him.
He saw his grandchildren, gave John one last thumbs up and then passed away. Also by his side were his wife of 62 years
Pat, 85, daughter
Jack brandishes trophy
JACK Charlton’s father-in-law had an unforgettable 1966 World Cup final – for all the wrong reasons. Generous Jack made sure Esso driver Jim Kemp had one of the best seats in the house.
But his ticket was stolen from his jacket pocket. Crestfallen Jim “did not want to bother” Jack as he prepared for the biggest day of his life. And he didn’t want to tell his family either.
In a terrible quandary, Jim took a train to London, booked in a hotel, watched the final on the telly – then came home next day pretending he had witnessed our historic 4-2 victory over West Germany in person. Jack’s son John said: “He never told anyone, including Jack, for a long time. He just felt it was really important not to put Jack off before the big game.”
Deborah Wilkinson, 57, and his other son Peter, 53. John, of Ponteland, Northumberland, said: “It was just like dad. He had a play with his grand-children on Thursday night but did not sleep well.
“On Friday he opened his eyes, then shut them and was gone. It was peaceful and typical of him – a good way to go, with his family there.
“He had an amazing life and left great
memories. Some will remember