Let’s give Big Jack a statue
ASHINGTON WANTS TO HONOUR WORLD CUP HERO
A FUNDRAISER has been set up to pay for a statue of World Cup winner Jack Charlton in his home town of Ashington.
More than £700 was donated in less than 24 hours to the GoFundMe page calling for a statue for ‘Big’ Jack in the Northumberland town – and by last night the total was more than £1,000.
The fundraiser hopes to raise a total of £25,000 to pay for the permanent memorial to one of Ashington’s most famous sons.
The former England footballer died at the age of 85 at his home in Northumberland last Friday. The campaign was set up as Northumberland County Council also revealed that it wants to honour Jack’s memory in Ashington.
It says it will work with the Charlton family to design a “fitting tribute” to the much-admired sportsman.
The online fundraising campaign was set up by Coun Liam Lavery, deputy leader of Ashington Town Council and Ronan Burtenshaw, of the executive council of the Connolly Association.
The Ashington-born star took part in the 1966 World Cup final along with his brother Bobby.
Their uncle, Newcastle United legend Jackie Milburn, already has a statue in Ashington and Jack has been honoured with a statue at Cork Airport in Ireland.
Supporters of the fundraiser include Ged Grebby, chief executive of Show Racism the Red Card; James Lewis, deputy leader of Leeds City Council; Chris Kitchen, general secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers; Mark Wood, the England cricketer, who is from Ashington; Alan Mardghum, secretary of the Durham Miners’ Association; and Jon McClure from band Reverend & the Makers.
It has also been backed by North East MPs Ian Lavery, Ian Mearns, Grahame Morris and Kate Osborne.
As well as playing for England, the defender made more than 600 appearances for Leeds United.
As a manager, Jack had many sets of fans after successes at Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday before going on to manage his boyhood club Newcastle United.
He is also fondly remembered in the Republic of Ireland for his time in charge of the national team.
Leader of Northumberland County Council Peter Jackson said: “Jack was a true gentleman and one of the all-time footballing greats, and his amazing talent was an inspiration to so many.
“He has been one of the greatest sportsmen to ever come out of the county of Northumberland, and I know that he is held in particular affection in the hearts of the whole community of Ashington.
“We are very keen to commemorate the incredible contribution Jack made to the town he loved, and we will work with the Charlton family to agree a fitting tribute in which to honour Jack’s memory.”
Further details will be announced on the tribute when discussions have taken place.
The Northumberland flag will also be flown at half mast at County Hall as a mark of respect to Jack.
Coun Jackson added: “On behalf of everyone at the council, we extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Charlton family at this sad time.”