‘We’ve lost one of the greats’
Tributes as ’66 World Cup hero Jack Charlton dies at 85
ENGLAND World Cup winner Jack Charlton was remembered as one of football’s great characters yesterday after his death aged 85.
The former defender, who later managed the Republic of Ireland, had been diagnosed with lymphoma last year and also suffered from dementia.
His family said he died peacefully at his home in Northumberland on Friday, surrounded by his loved ones.
A popular character known as Big Jack, he was in the England team with his younger brother Bobby that beat West Germany 4-2 at Wembley in England’s 1966World Cup victory.
He later achieved unprecedented success as the manager of Ireland, taking them to their first World Cup quarter-final in Italy in 1990.
In a statement released yesterday, his family said: “As well as a friend to many, he was a much adored husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.we cannot express how proud we are of the extraordinary life he led and the pleasure he brought to so many people. He was a thoroughly honest, kind, 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.”
Jack is the sixth member of England’s greatest team to pass away, following the deaths of Alan Ball, Ray Wilson, Gordon Banks, Martin Peters and Bobby Moore.
An England spokesman said the national team were “devastated” by the news.
He was also hailed as a man who “changed Irish football forever” by the Football Association of Ireland.
Jack spent his entire 21-year playing career with Leeds United.
He made a joint club record 773 appearances before retiring as a player in 1973.
Jack was part of the Leeds side that won the 1969 league title and 1972 FA Cup. He is the third Leeds legend