Jack Charlton was born in Ashington, England on the 8th of May 1935 and sadly passed away on the 10th of July 2020 aged 85.

In his playing days, Charlton was a tough, physical centre-back who began his youth career with Leeds United in 1950 before progressing into their senior set up where he remained until he retired in 1973.

With his club, he won a league title, an FA Cup while he was also named the FWA Footballer of the Year in 1967. A year earlier, he helped England secure their one and only World Cup when they defeated Germany 4-2 after extra time.

Charlton would go on to manage Middlesbrough, Sheffield United, and Newcastle but it was with the Republic of Ireland where he enjoyed his most memorable moments in the hot seat.

Big Jack introduced a ‘Put ‘Em under Pressure’ game which put Ireland on the world stage with pride and passion which dared a nation to dream.

He stunned his native England at Euro ’88, led Ireland into the World Cup quarter-final against Italy two years later, and gained revenge on the Italians at the 1994 World Cup.
Ireland had never qualified for a major tournament before he took charge in 1986 but qualified for three before he left in 1996. He is arguably the greatest manager Ireland has ever had.