Jack Charlton: England World Cup winner and ex-Republic of Ireland boss dies aged 85

[dutchman]

Jack Charlton, a World Cup winner with England and former Republic of Ireland boss, has died aged 85



The former Leeds defender had been diagnosed with lymphoma in the last year and also had dementia.

One of English football's most popular characters, he was in the team that won the World Cup at Wembley in 1966, alongside his brother Bobby.

He made a record number of appearances for Leeds and achieved unprecedented success with the Republic of Ireland.

A family statement read: "Jack died peacefully on Friday, July 10 at the age of 85. He was at home in Northumberland, with his family by his side.

"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 in different countries and from all walks of life.

"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."

Charlton had spells in charge of Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough and Newcastle.

He led the Republic of Ireland to their first major finals at Euro 88 and the World Cup quarter-finals at Italia 90.

Leeds United, where he spent his entire 21-year playing career and made a joint club record 773 appearances before retiring as a player in 1973, said the club was "deeply saddened".

Charlton, part of the Leeds side that won the 1969 League title and the 1972 FA Cup, is the third club legend and former England international to die this year after Norman Hunter and Trevor Cherry.

[rebbonk]

R.I.P.

[Melisandre]

R.I.P

[dutchman]

Jack Charlton's incredible legacy to Bedworth football



Jack Charlton's sad death is being mourned across the world - including in Bedworth where he held a proud position in the town's footballing history.

The former Republic of Ireland football team manager was the honorary president of the prestigious Bedworth Nursing Cup, now known as the Nursing Football Association, and one of the most valued trophies in British amateur football.

The World Cup winner answered the plea of the Bedworth Nursing Cup Committee in 2002 - much to the surprise of former chairman Mark Welch.

But it was not just his name he leant to the association.

In the same year, he travelled to Bedworth and headlined as guest speaker at an event at the Civic Hall, with supporting act ‘Jimmy Jones’, where more than 600 people crammed into the venue.

Funds from this gave the newly formed association a kick-start to having a unique medallion made to highlight the Leeds United legend's involvement, which has been maintained to the present day.

But Mark Welch said he had a cast iron stipulation - that he would only put his name to an award if they were a quality item.

"In his words he said 'I don’t want any player being given a tin-pot-plastic award'," said Mark.

"Of course this got cemented as the Association unveiled their unique medallion, a Jack Charlton Achievement in Football Award. Jack spoke highly of these, and they are still presented today."

Six years later, on Good Friday in 2009, after agreeing to help, he returned for a special occasion to mark Nursing Football’s Senior Cup Centenary.

The 100th Bedworth Senior Nursing Cup Final at the Ricoh Arena became the pinnacle of achievements to date.

Tributes to the OBE winner have poured in from across the globe but he has left a special mark on Bedworth.

"He was so eager to help up and set the tone of The Nursing Football Association as now known," Mr Welch added.

"Jack will be missed dearly by so many including little Bedworth."