We’ve lost one of the greats. RIP old friend – FELLOW 1966 HERO GEOFF HURST
After Leeds’ 1971 European Fairs Cup win funny and genuine man who always had time for people. His loss will leave a huge hole in all our lives but we are thankful for a lifetime of happy memories.”
As a loyal Leeds player, Jack made 773 appearances for the club over 23 years – winning numerous trophies including the league and FA Cup. Then came his ‘second life’ as manager of the Republic of Ireland team.
It made him arguably the most famous Englishman in Ireland – and if he popped into a pub he rarely had to buy his own beer.
He led the side to the Euros in 1988, the World Cup quarter-finals in Italy in 1990 – where Pope John Paul II told him: “I know who you are, you’re the boss” – and the last 16 in the USA tournament in 1994. A statue commemorating his achievements stands at Cork Airport, showing Jack with his trademark angling gear.
A lifetime fan of outdoor pursuits, it was said Jack had it written into his contract as one-time Middlesbrough manager that he could take three days off each week for fishing and hunting.
Jack was born in the Northumbrian coal-mining village of Ashington in 1935, the eldest of four brothers. Money was so tight the siblings shared the same bed. The Charlton boys were born into a football dynasty – their mum Cissie, was the cousin of Newcastle United and England legend Jackie Milburn – and five of their direct relatives played professional football.
Jack married Pat Kemp in January 1958, with Bobby as best man.
An image of the brothers hugging after the World Cup win is among the most famous in English football – but in later years they fell out.
They were said to have vastly different personalities, with