Jack Charlton, a member of the England Football 1966 World Cup winning side and who went on to become a cult hero in Ireland, has died aged 85, his family announced on Saturday. Charlton — elder brother of his fellow World Cup winning team-mate Bobby — was an integral part of the great Don Revie managed Leeds United side that won the 1969 League title and the 1972 FA Cup.
Charlton also enjoyed a fairytale spell as manager of the Republic of Ireland guiding them to several major finals — advancing to the 1990 World Cup quarter-finals.
Such was his achievement with Ireland that he was awarded the Republic’s most distinguished award, honorary Irish citizenship in 1996.
“Jack died peacefully on Friday, July 10 at the age of 85. He was at home in Northumberland, with his family by his side,” read a family statement.
Charlton made a club record 773 appearances for Leeds United over a 23-year period as a player, becoming one of the all-time great central defenders in the game.
