Big Jack changed us all says Mccarthy as he leads flood of tributes
REPUBLIC of Ireland internationals Niall Quinn and Mick Mccarthy are among the former Sunderland players and managers who have paid tribute to England’s legendary World Cup-winner Jack Charlton, who has died aged 85.
Charlton’s family confirmed in a statement that Big Jack, as he was affectionately known, died yesterday at his Northumberland home.
Ashington-born Charlton spent his entire playing career at Leeds United before going on to manage Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle United, and the Republic of Ireland.
His World Cup triumph with England was his crowning achievement as a player, lifting the trophy alongside his younger brother and teammate Bobby at Wembley in 1966.
His time in charge of the Republic, whom he took to the European Championships in 1988 and the World Cups in 1990 and 1994, meant he was loved on both sides of the Irish Sea.
Former Sunderland manager Mick Mccarthy, who played in Euro 88 and captained the side at Italia 90 before later succeeding Charlton as manager of his country in 1996, said: “He changed everything for all of us who played for Ireland and just look at the memories we have.
“Jack’s passing will touch Ireland, England and the football world but the loss to football will be felt in Ireland more than anywhere else.
“English fans will always remember Jack as one of their World Cup winners in 1966 but what he did with Ireland will, I suspect, mean even more to our fans and the country.
“I know this is a sad day but we will remember the great days as well.
“I did speak to him very briefly the day after his birthday in May but it was difficult due to his health.
“I told him I loved the bones of him that day and I always will.”
Quinn, who played in Euro 88 and Italia 90 but missed the World Cup in 1994 due to injury, added: “I am sure I am not the only Irish person who shed a tear or two this morning.
“I am devastated. I am finding it very hard to put into words what Jack meant to the whole country, not just to me and to those of us lucky enough to have played for him in an Ireland shirt.
“Jack Charlton led the band. He brought us, as a players and fans, to places we never thought possible beforehand and gave us so many precious moments.
“He changed lives. For his players, he gave us the best days of our lives.
“This news has hit me with a bang. We have so much to be grateful to Jack for and I am truly saddened, like so many others, with this news today.
“Our thoughts go to Pat and Jack’s family who shared that wonderful journey with us. May he rest in peace.”
Ex-sunderland men and Ireland internationals Jason Mcateer, John Byrne, Kevin Kilbane, Graham Kavanagh, and Thomas Butler were among those who took to Twitter to express their sorrow.
Mcateer, who was handed his senior international debut by Charlton and played under him at the 1994 World Cup finals, tweeted: “Cannot speak ...... hearts just broke. Love you Jack.”
Byrne, part of Charlton’s Ireland squads for Euro 88 and Italia 90, added: “Extremely sad to hear the great Jack Charlton has passed away.
“I cannot thank him enough for selecting me for the Ireland squads in those brilliant days of the euros and the World Cup in 88 and 90 taking me to places I could only have dreamt of as a kid. RIP Big Jack x.”
Kilbane added: “Such sad news to wake up to.
“Farewell Big Jack, you mean so much to Irish people and gave us all the greatest of memories we wll cherish forever. #Ripbigjack”
Kavanagh said: “Big Jack, RIP what a legend.”
Butler’s tribute said: “Very sad to hear about the passing of Jack Charlton – fond memories of when he brought Ireland to a World Cup quarter final in Italia 90. #jackcharlton #legend.