WE LOOKED UP TO JACK

ALLAN CLARKE has paid an emotional tribute to former Leeds United teammate Jack Charlton and said: “It feels like I’ve lost a brother.”

Former Whites striker Clarke (below), nicknamed ‘Sniffer’ for his goalpoaching prowess, believes the squad that Don Revie built forged a close bond that has endured since their glory days in the 1960s and 1970s.

Charlton is the third United legend to pass away recently following the death of Norman Hunter and Trevor Cherry in April.

Clarke said: “Big Jack was such a fantastic character and great fun to be around.

“He was absolutely fundamental to the success of that team that the gaffer built up from the Second Division to one of the best sides in Europe.

“Jack was older than the rest of us and was like our big brother.

“He served Leeds

United for 23 years and would be part of any all-time great Leeds side.

“I was at the club’s centenary dinner last year where players from various eras attended.

“It was a lovely event but sadly Jack was too poorly to make it and now he has gone. It feels like I’ve lost a brother.”

One of Clarke’s happiest memories of playing with Charlton was the 7-0 win against Southampton at Elland Road in March 1972.

Clarke, 73, added: “That performance was as near to perfection as you could get.

“It is also one of my favourite memories of playing with Big Jack.”

Clarke added: “I’m really hoping and praying that Leeds can be successful again so that the young fans can come to idolise a new generation of legends.

“Going back to the Premier League would be a good start and an apt tribute to Jack, Norman and Trevor.”