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A one club man - and a one man awkward squad. That was Jack
Charlton - big brother of Bobby and one of the greatest central
defenders to have played the game. Early on in his career, his
firmly held opinions and attitude did not make for a good
relationship with the management, but under Don Revie he blossomed.
He finally won international recognition in 1965, going on to be a
crucial part of the 1966 World Cup-winning team and picking up a
total of 35 caps and the 1967 Footballer of the Year award. He
recognised that he had needed a bit of a kick up the backside to
spur him on - in 1967, he said: "After following in the footsteps
of my uncles Jack George and Jimmy Milburn to Elland Road just
after I left school in Ashington I was scarcely a model of what a
young player should be... I had my own ideas and I am afraid they
did not always coincide with the methods of the men in charge. Don
said: 'You ought to be ashamed of yourself. Instead of playing
centre-forward in the reserves with your ability you should be
playing centre-half for England.' My career should be a warning to
every young lad who comes into the game. With everything in my
favour... I still managed to get off the rails and waste many
valuable years before I got on the right track."
As a player, his longevity was impressive and he was nearly 37
when he picked up his FA Cup winners medal in 1972. Age was
catching up with him, and after a further year at Leeds, he retired
from the field of play.
As a manager, Big Jack enjoyed success with Middlesbrough,
getting them promoted to Division 1, he did well at Sheffield
Wednesday, but a move back to the North East to manage Newcastle
didn't get off to a great start. The fans didn't like it, dished
out the abuse and Jack decided he didn't need it, so he walked
away. He was a controversial choice to take over as manager of the
Republic of Ireland, but enjoyed immense success with a simple game
and an assiduous scanning of players' birth certificates. For
making the best of limited resources and doing it in such good
spirit, he was runner-up in World Soccer's Manager of the Year poll
in 1988.
Buy this excellent biography of Jack Charlton and that other famous
brother of his at Amazon now!
Jonathan Sethna says: 14th March 2003. Really excited at the
moment, I work in London SE1. Was on the phone and looked out and
big Jack walked past. I simutaneously waved and he waved back.
Wicked, the mans a legend.
Ann S. Allridge, Republic of Ireland says: I'm a member of the
Western Front Association, and have just received the September
copy of our magazine "Stand To!" Please beg, borrow or steal a copy
- Jack Charlton's double is the sergeant on the front cover,
leading a group of East Lancs. soldiers through the village of
Metz-en-Couture in January 1918! Great memories of Jack as
Ireland's Soccer Manager! What a character.
Dave Wilson says: I saw him in Marks and Spencers in Newcastle
once - the man is huge!
Dean Walker says: i met jack charlton during bob a job week
whilst i was a cub scout, around 1968 i went to his cloths shop
which he had, in harehills lane. myelf and andrew balmforth were to
white wash his celler. for some reason or another it never happened
but i have always been a great fan of the old giraffe
Dave Powell says: First Leeds Match I saw was at Wolves around
1970 Big Jack got his nose broken but carried on playing with blood
down his shirt. That is typical of the way he played, always
100%
Ian says: Never saw him play live, but saw him on the train to
York today - 20/04/2004
John {Jack} Charlton says: I only learned of Jack Charlton from
Our Security Officer at Mt. Bachelor, Oregon U.S.A.. My name is
Jack Charlton, and I have a Brother Rob {"Bob"}, so I was
intreaged. I am of Scottish, Irish, and English background, and my
ancestors were Sea Captains, {or at least one of them!} who came to
America to settle. hope to visit some day, and find Family in Great
Briton.
bill stevenson says: as a celtic fan i travelled down for jacks
testomonial game, i think it was a draw 2-2 does anyone know the
number of celtic supporters at that game, i remember a massive
support and would love to know how many travelled down
Ste says: He might have been crazy but GOOD! we like 'em crazy!
World cup winner, geordie Leeds fan - say no more.
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