Former Republic of Ireland manager Jack Charlton passed away yesterday at the age of 85.
"Big Jack" was made an honorary Irish man by Charlie Haughey in 1996 thanks to his achievements for Irish Football.
He captained the ship when Ireland made it to their first ever major tournament at Euro 88 in Germany, following up by bringing Ireland to their first World Cup at Italia 90 and once more for USA 94.
A stalwart of Leeds football club, Jack made 773 appearances at Elland Road, winning the first Division, the FA Cup and the League Cup. He won the World Cup with England in 1966 alongside his brother Bobby. he would go o to win English player of the year in 1967.
Former Republic of Ireland manager John Giles played with Charlton for ten years at Leeds. He spoke to "On The Ball with Nigel Kelly" this morning to talk about his friend and team mate
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5pPgG5D9My2I6UOlOJNCm5?si=2NQKhWHDRoukNwH3Rl2tHA
The new Waterford FC manager John Sheridan played for Leeds throughout the 1980's and he says that jack was a legend of the game, especially at Leeds where he spent his entire professional career. Sheridan joined "On The Ball with Nigel Kelly" this morning to talk about the totemic figure that was "Big Jack"
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1UHwGjUwaeOilSkejbq1MD
Tributes have been paid to the great man today from everyone across Irish and international soccer
Absolutely gutted 😢
Father figure to me for 10 years, thanks for having faith in me. Sleep well Jack, Love ya 💔
Thinking of Pat, John and Peter at this sad time 💚 🇮🇪 ☘️ #thanksforthememories pic.twitter.com/qstCVbCK4C— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) July 11, 2020
Absolutely gutted that BIG JACK has passed away!What a football man,,Loved and adored,specially in Ireland.The best manager I was lucky to play for.The times we had on and off the pitch was priceless !my thoughts are with pat and the family!RIP my good friend Never Forgotten !!
— John Aldridge (@Realaldo474) July 11, 2020
Another one of my heroes & football legend has sadly passed away RIP Big Jack Charlton 🏴 🇮🇪 A World Cup winner but that was just the icing on a wonderful & glorious career
— Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) July 11, 2020
This is my favourite photo of Jack Charlton and his beautiful wife, Pat. They were married for more than 60 years. They could never have imagined the role Ireland would play in their lives. I’ll always remember them for being so kind & generous to me. ❤️💚#RIPJack pic.twitter.com/OLW7jAgbRg
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) July 11, 2020
Rest in peace Jack pic.twitter.com/Z6iIuIAzIE
— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 11, 2020
So saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Charlton who brought such honesty and joy to the football world.He personified a golden era in Irish football-the Italia 90 campaign being one of pure joy for the nation. He gave us magical memories.Thank you Jack.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) July 11, 2020
A legend of the game.
Rest in peace, Jack.— England (@England) July 11, 2020