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Former Republic of Ireland boss Jack Charlton dies at 85

Former Republic of Ireland football manager Jack Charlton has died. The 85-year-old passed away p...
Newstalk
Newstalk

09.32 11 Jul 2020


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Former Republic of Ireland bos...

Former Republic of Ireland boss Jack Charlton dies at 85

Newstalk
Newstalk

09.32 11 Jul 2020


Share this article


Former Republic of Ireland football manager Jack Charlton has died.

The 85-year-old passed away peacefully at his Northumberland home in England on Friday, his family said.

He had been suffering from a long-term illness.

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He managed the Republic of Ireland to two World Cup tournaments and a European Championship.

Charlton's team inspired the nation at Euro '88, Italia '90 and USA '94.

'A legacy of outstanding leadership' - President Higgins leads tributes to Jack Charlton

Charlton, the older brother of Bobby Charlton, was part of England's World Cup-winning team in 1966.

He was a one-club man for Leeds United, making a record 773 appearances over a 23-year career as a player.

Widely hailed as one of the all-time great central defenders in the game, Leeds United said they were "deeply saddened" by the news.

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

The FAI has said it is "deeply saddened" to learn of his death.

It described him as "the manager who changed Irish football forever.

"Our thoughts are with Pat and the family at this sad time."

Nottingham Forest described Charlton as a "true great of the game", adding that he was a "great adversary, a fine manager and a terrific person".

The England football team tweeted: "We are devastated by the news that Jack Charlton, a member of our World Cup-winning team of 1966, has passed away.

"Our deepest sympathies are with Jack's family, friends and former clubs."

Charlton joined Leeds United at the age of 15 as part of the ground staff, before debuting as a player against Doncaster Rovers in 1953.

He helped the club to win promotion from the Second Division twice, and was also part of the side which won the League Cup in 1968 and the FA Cup in 1972.

He scored 96 times for Leeds, making him the club's ninth highest scorer in their history.

The popular player, affectionately known as 'Big Jack', also won a total of 35 caps for England.

With the Three Lions, he played in every match during the 1966 World Cup tournament and helped to defeat West Germany in the final at Wembley.

Charlton retired from playing in 1973, later going into management.

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

Main image: Jack Charlton leaves a memorial service in the Suffolk town of Ipswich in 1999. Picture by: Michael Stephens/PA Archive/PA Images

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