A TRIBUTE TO JACK
Flowers and messages for Leeds United and England player Jack Charlton who has died at the age of 85
Fans have called for a permanent tribute to Jack Charlton, the World Cup winning footballer who has died at the age of 85. Charlton, pictured in 1970, played for Leeds United and England and enjoyed success as the Ireland manager.
HE WAS one of the “greatest footballers Leeds United and England ever had”, “a true legend” and simply “a hero”.
Supporters’ tributes to Jack Charlton at the club ground where he played throughout his 23-year career could not be clearer.
The messages were attached to flowers, scarves and football shirts which fans have laid around Charlton’s personalised floor tile outside Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium.
The former England defender, who won a World Cup winner’s medal in 1966, died on Friday aged 85.
Charlton was as popular in Ireland as he was in England. He managed Ireland for a decade to two World Cup finals tournaments and a European Championship finals appearance.
Leeds fan Sam Breen, 22, travelled from Bradford to pay his respects and leave a bouquet of flowers.
He said: “Big Jack meant a lot to the club and the city of Leeds, the only club he played for was Leeds. It’s obviously a loss for the club, tragic, with the loss of Trevor Cherry and Norman Hunter this year too, he was a World Cup winner and a Leeds legend.
“Obviously I didn’t know the guy personally but everyone said he was such a lovely gentleman so may he rest in peace, he meant a lot to everyone.”
Michael Normanton, co-editor of Leeds United fanzine The
Square Ball, also paid tribute.
He said: “Jack bridged the gap between the old Leeds, a side that once contained John Charles and not much else, and Don Revie’s legends.
“Pushed to levels he had never imagined possible, Jack will always be remembered as one of the greats, notching up a number of appearances that will probably never be surpassed.
“With the loss of Norman Hunter and Trevor Cherry so fresh in our minds, Jack’s death is a further reminder that we need to cherish the Revie boys that remain.”
Former miners’ leader and Leeds United fan Arthur Scargill was also quick to praise
Charlton, originally a miner from Northumberland, saying: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Jack Charlton, who I knew as a friend and neighbour in Worsbrough where he lived for a number of years.”
He added: “Jack Charlton was one of the greatest footballers Leeds United and England have ever had but his support, together with Leeds United manager Brian Clough, for members of the NUM in 1984/85 earned him the respect of all miners and women miners’ support groups, who called him a hero.”
On social media, a number of fans called for a lasting tribute.
Lee Crossley tweeted: “We should rename Elland Road the Jack Charlton stadium.”
Twitter user @LUFCalypso said: “Would love to see a statue for Trevor Cherry, Jack Charlton and Norman Hunter built somewhere outside Elland Road. 1,568 appearances, numerous trophies and other notable appearances between them should never be forgotten.”
And @paudi_lufc wrote on Twitter: “Big Jack was always going to get honoured at Elland Road. Jack Charlton East Stand most likely. Just wish they’d honour these legends when they are around to see it.”
‘Everyman’ Charlton was adored: Sports Weekend.
Jack bridged the gap between the old Leeds and Revie’s legends.
Michael Normanton, co-editor of Leeds United fanzine The Square Ball.