BREAKING NEWS: England World Cup winner and former Ireland manager Jack Charlton dies aged 85 

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England 1966 World Cup hero Jack Charlton has died at the age of 85.

The former defender passed away at his Northumberland home on Friday after suffering from dementia and lymphoma. 

Charlton, who played for Leeds United with distinction for 21 years and later managed the Republic of Ireland, was the brother of fellow England great Bobby. The pair both played in the side which won the World Cup.

A statement from the Charlton family announcing his death expressed their pride at their ‘much-adored husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.’ They added he died peacefully with his loved ones by his side.

The footballing legend is survived by his wife Pat Kemp and their three children. 

Born in coal-mining village of Ashington, Northumberland, in 1935, Charlton was the eldest of four brothers and his father was a miner. The siblings at one point shared the same bed because of the family’s tight finances. 

His granddaughters, Kate and Emma Wilkinson, shared their own heartfelt tributes and photos on Twitter, with both saying he was a ‘kind and genuine’ man.  

Tributes also poured in from the footballing world. His former teammate Sir Geoff Hurst, who scored three goals in the 1966 World Cup final to help England win the trophy, said he was a ‘great and loveable character and will  be greatly missed.’ 

Leeds, who Charlton played for for his entire career, said they were ‘deeply saddened’ by his death and the England football team tweeted they were ‘devastated’ by the news. 

The Premier League said players would wear black armbands and hold a minute’s silence before kick-off during this weekend’s games in tribute to Charlton. 

But former Republic of Ireland player Ray Houghton, who played under Charlton when he was manager of the national side, said during his own tribute it was a ‘disgrace’ that the World Cup winner had not been knighted for his footballing achievements.

The statement from the Charlton family continued: ‘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’s granddaughter Kate Wilkinson said in her Twitter tribute: ‘Beyond sad to have to say goodbye to my beloved Grandad, Jack Charlton. 

‘He enriched so many lives through football, friendship and family. He was a kind, funny and thoroughly genuine man and our family will miss him enormously.’

Her sister Emma added: ‘Yesterday was a very sad day. My grandad, Jack Charlton, died peacefully at home.

‘He was kind, playful and genuine, and I’ll miss him so much. Already seen many lovely messages in his honour. I’ll share them with his wife, my grandma Pat, to help her through this difficult time.’

Sir Geoff Hurst said in his tribute: ‘Another sad day for football. Jack was the type of player and person that you need in a team to win a World Cup. 

‘He was a great and loveable character and he will be greatly missed . The world of football and the world beyond football has lost one of the greats. RIP old friend.’

Houghton, who played under Charlton during his decade in charge of Ireland, said in his own tribute on TalkSport that his former boss should have been knighted. Out of the side which won the 1966 World Cup, only Sir Bobby Hurst – along with manager Sir Alf Ramsey – were knighted. 

Branding him a ‘legend’, Houghton said: ‘He was a larger than life character.

‘The word legend is used too much in football but not for Jack, for what he’s done domestically with Leeds, winning the World Cup, which he should have been knighted for, I’ve still never understood that, I think that’s an absolute disgrace and the fact that he did so well with Ireland.’

‘He changed everything about Irish football because there was a stage where we hadn’t qualified for tournaments, we had some great players and very good managers but didn’t quite get over the line.

‘Jack came in and changed that mentality, got us through two World Cups and one European Championship. His legacy within Ireland is absolutely huge.’

Fans also questioned the lack of a knighthood for Charlton. 

In reference to the Englishman’s time in charge of Ireland, one wrote: ‘Don’t know why Jack Charlton was never knighted. He did more for Anglo-Irish relations than most politicians. Wonderful career in football. RIP legend.’

Another fan wrote: ‘It’s also a travesty that Charlton, along with a number of others from the 66 squad, haven’t been knighted.’  

A third said: ‘RIP Jack Charlton – legend of the game and another member of the 66 squad who should have been knighted.’   

Leeds, for whom Charlton played for for his entire career, said in a lengthy tribute to the former player that his ‘contribution to the game and Leeds United will never be forgotten’.

They added: ‘He will remain in football folklore forever and his records at Leeds United are unlikely ever to be surpassed.’ 

Other leading figures in football also payed tribute to the star on Saturday. 

Former England striker and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker tweeted: ‘Saddened to hear that Jack Charlton has passed away. 

‘World Cup winner with England, manager of probably the best ever Ireland side and a wonderfully infectious personality to boot. RIP Jack.’

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.’

Mick McCarthy was appointed Republic captain by Charlton and went on to succeed the former defender as manager of the national side in 1996.

‘It’s a real shock that he’s passed away and I’m very, very sad,’ McCarthy told talkSPORT.

‘It was the happiest time of my career, he made it simple for me and I’ll always remember him for that.

‘I wasn’t the best player in that team, nowhere near. But he saw something in me and I’ll never forget him for that.’

John Aldridge, Houghton and McCarthy’s former Republic team-mate, tweeted: ‘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 were priceless! My thoughts are with (wife) Pat and the family! RIP my good friend. Never forgotten!’

Paul McGrath, who played as a defender for Ireland when Charlton was manager, wrote: ‘Absolutely gutted. Father figure to me for 10 years, thanks for having faith in me. Sleep well Jack, love ya.’ 

In a further written tribute released by the Republic of Ireland’s Twitter account, McGrath added: ‘Today, I am truly heartbroken at Jack’s passing. It is difficult for me to articulate what Jack meant to me both on and off the football field.

‘He gave me his full support when I needed it most and for which I am forever grateful. He has been a hugely important person in my life.’

He added: ‘The Irish people warmed to him because of his big character and he gave us the belief in ourselves to compete in the big tournaments.’

In another stirring tribute, John Anderson, who played under Charlton for both Newcastle and the Republic of Ireland, said his former manager was so humble that he kept his World Cup winner’s medal in a coal bucket. 

He said: ‘I remember myself and Kenny Wharton going up to see him and, remember the World Cup coins that you used to collect with the players’ faces on?

‘He had a gold set of them and they were in a coal bucket, and beside them in the coal bucket was his World Cup winner’s medal.

‘He didn’t blink an eye. “They’re in there”, he said, nodding at the coal bucket beside the fire.’ 

He added: ‘He’s held in such high esteem in Ireland, Jack. He might have been born and bred in England, but he’s an honorary Irishman.

‘What he did for football – and not just football, what he did for the country – was remarkable, it really was.’

Middlesbrough F.C., whom Charlton managed for four years from 1973 until 1977, tweeted: ‘We’re deeply saddened to report the passing of Jack Charlton, one of Boro’s greatest ever managers.’ 

Another of Charlton’s former clubs, Newcastle United, tweeted: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former NUFC manager and England World Cup winner, Jack Charlton at the age of 85. RIP, Jack. A true legend of the game.’

Lady Elsie Robson, the widow of former Ipswich, Barcelona and Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson and friend of Charlton, paid tribute to the former defender.

In a statement she said: ‘Jack was a great friend and a wonderful supporter of our cancer charity. He’d come out to events and meet with fundraisers, and people were always so thrilled to meet a World Cup winner.

‘He had such a way about him. He’d just make us all smile. I feel for Pat and the family after their great loss and they have our heartfelt sympathy.’ 

Charlton made a club record 773 appearances for Leeds over a span of 21 years between 1952 and 1973 and was regarded as one of the game’s finest defenders.

He helped the Yorkshire club win the second division title in 1963-64 and then the first division in 1968-69.

This successful Leeds side also won the FA Cup in 1972, the League Cup in 1968 and two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups in 1968 and 1971.

Despite not being called into the England team until days before his 30th birthday, Charlton won 35 caps and, playing alongside younger brother Bobby, lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy at Wembley in 1966.

He also helped England finish third at the 1968 European Championship and in between was voted the Football Writer’s Association Footballer of the Year in 1967.

After hanging up his boots, Charlton worked as a manager, taking Middlesbrough into the top-flight in 1974 before moving on to Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle United.

But he is most fondly remembered as Ireland’s manager. He led them to the quarter-finals of the 1990 World Cup and they also qualified for Euro 1988 and the 1994 World Cup. 

Jack Charlton dies aged 85: From English World Cup winner to honorary Irishman… he was born into one of the greatest footballing families of all time but at 15 he was working in the mines and almost joined the police force instead of signing for Leeds United  

By Kathryn Batte for MailOnline

‘I wasn’t very good at playing football. But I was very good at stopping other people playing football.’ 

If you search for a definition of ‘old-fashioned English centre-half’ you would probably find Jack Charlton’s name.

Strong and uncompromising, he spent 21 years at the heart of the Leeds United defence and retired as a legendary one-club man.

And following the tragic news of his death on Friday at the age of 85 after battling lymphoma and dementia, tributes flooded in showing just how much of a legacy he left within football. 

A statement from the Charlton family announcing his death expressed how proud they were at their ‘much-adored husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.’ 

They added he died peacefully with his family by his side. The footballing legend is survived by his wife Pat Kemp and their three children. 

The eldest of four brothers, John ‘Jack’ Charlton was born on May 8, 1935, in Ashington, Northumberland, to a family with a strong footballing pedigree. 

His four uncles all played the game, three of them for Leeds United, and his mother’s cousin was Newcastle United and England player Jackie Milburn.

Mother Elizabeth Ellen Charlton played football and coached local schools’ teams, but his father Bob was a miner and had little interest in the sport. 

Family finances were so tight, he and his four brothers – Bobby, Gordon and Tommy – had to share the same bed.

At 15, Charlton was offered a trial at Leeds United where his uncle Jim was a left-back. But a career in football was not a steady job which is why he initially joined his father in the mines before quitting after discovering just how unpleasant it was.

Charlton applied to join the police while he reconsidered his offer from Leeds but had to make a choice when his interview clashed with a proposed trial game. He chose football.

After joining United’s youth team, Charlton impressed and was quickly promoted to the reserves. Manager Raich Carter handed him his first professional contract at 17, making his debut on April 25, 1953, as a substitute against Doncaster Rovers.

Two years of National service with the Household Cavalry threatened to add further interruption to Charlton’s football career and he made just one appearance the following season. However, he captained the Horse Guards to victory in the Cavalry Cup in Hanover and returned to the Leeds first team in September 1955.

That season Charlton helped United go on to win promotion to the First Division but his habit of partying late and lifestyle choices cost him his starting place for much of the next campaign.

After marrying Pat Kemp, who he met at the Majestic Ballroom in Leeds, Charlton re-focused his attention on football and became a regular in the first team once more. The couple went on to have three children: John, Deborah and Peter.

Pat was not able to watch Charlton play in the 1966 World Cup final because she was heavily pregnant with their third child Peter. 

He made it home in time for the birth but refused to attend due to superstition because he had been away when his first two children had been born.

Charlton had always been superstitious. He turned down the chance to captain Leeds because he didn’t want to lead the team out, he always had to come out last.

Leeds had been struggling when Don Revie arrived as manager and his initial relationship with Charlton was difficult, attempting to play him as a centre-forward. 

In 1962, Revie told Charlton he was prepared to let him go and though Liverpool and Manchester United showed an interest, neither could meet the £30,000 fee Leeds were demanding. 

Charlton instead signed a new contract with the Whites and became a key figure in their resurgence alongside defensive partner Norman Hunter.

The 1962-63 season was the start of the golden era for Leeds. In 1965 they reached the FA Cup final for the first time in their history, losing 2-1 to Liverpool. 

Charlton won many runner-up medals with Leeds but they did win the League Cup in 1968, the First Division title in 1969 and the FA Cup in 1972, beating Arsenal 1-0.

Charlton’s solid performances at club-level eventually caught the attention of England manager Alf Ramsey. He received his first cap in 1965 just before his thirtieth birthday and made his debut at Wembley in a 2-2 draw against Scotland. 

Injuries meant England finished the game with nine players but Charlton assisted his brother Bobby for their first goal.

His robust and no-nonsense style of play complemented the more skilful and expansive Bobby Moore and they formed a formidable partnership for the 1966 World Cup campaign.

That summer Charlton wrote his name in English football history alongside brother Bobby when the Three Lions won their first and only major trophy.

He accumulated 35 caps, only featuring on the losing side twice in five years. Despite losing his England place to Brian Labone, Charlton remained a key fixture for Revie’s Leeds until his retirement in 1972. 

By the end of his career he had made 773 appearances for the Whites, a joint record with Billy Bremner which stands to this day.

During the early 1960s Charlton began taking his coaching badges at the Football Association’s courses in Lilleshall. In 1973 he was offered the manager’s job at Second Division club Middlesbrough but he refused to sign a contract, something he would always do throughout his managerial career. Instead he negotiated a list of responsibilities and made a gentleman’s agreement that he would not be sacked and would have complete control of the team’s affairs.

Charlton guided Boro to the Division Two title, winning by a 15-point margin and earning the Manager of the Year award, the first time someone from outside the First Division had received the honour. In the same year he was awarded an OBE for services to football.

After a failed application for the England manager’s job and a stint in charge of Sheffield Wednesday, he briefly returned to Boro in 1984 as a favour to friend and chairman Mike McCullagh, helping the club avoid relegation.

In June later that year Charlton was persuaded by Jackie Milburn to take the manager’s job at hometown club Newcastle United. Working on a tight budget, he resigned before the start of the 1985-86 campaign after fans had called for his dismissal when the club failed to sign Eric Gates who instead joined Sunderland.

While Charlton may have failed to secure the England job nine years earlier, in 1986 he was given the chance of international management with the Republic of Ireland, becoming their first ever foreign manager.

Charlton’s style of football as a manager was much like his playing days – direct and robust, but he was blessed with a squad of talented players such as Frank Stapleton, Liam Brady and David O’Leary.

However, if there was one thing Charlton struggled with it was remembering players’ names. According to Alan McLoughlin’s autobiography, during a game with the Netherlands Charlton told Mick McCarthy to ‘stay tight on Van Cleef’. ‘Mick had to tell Jack that Lee van Cleef was a dead Hollywood film star!’, wrote McLoughlin.

Charlton employed what became known as the ‘granny rule’, canvassing the UK for English-born players with Irish heritage. 

A notable example was John Aldridge who qualified through his great grandmother and went on to score 19 goals in 69 appearances. Tony Cascarino, who scored for Ireland in a 1-1 draw with England, famously revealed in his 1996 autobiography that he was adopted and had no known blood ties to the country.

Ireland won their first ever trophy in senior football when Charlton took them to Iceland to take part in a triangular tournament. 

This was followed up with qualification for Euro 1988 in West Germany, their first appearance at a major international competition. 

Ray Houghton gave Ireland a famous victory over England in their first group game but both teams failed to progress, losing out to the USSR and the Netherlands.

Ireland enjoyed unprecedented success under Charlton, qualifying for the 1990 and 1994 World Cups and Euro 1992 before narrowly missing out on Euro 1996 in a play-off game with the Netherlands. Charlton had been made a Freeman of Dublin in 1994 and was awarded honorary Irish citizenship in 1996.

Hailing from such a strong footballing family, much of Charlton’s life was dominated by the beautiful game but he had other interests outside of football. 

Most notable was his love of fishing and a life-size statue of him holding a salmon is displayed in Cork Airport.

By winning the World Cup together in 1966, Jack and Bobby Charlton became England’s greatest sporting siblings, but their relationship had its ups and downs. 

Opposites on the pitch, the brothers also had their differences off it with tensions arising between Jack and Norma, Bobby’s wife.

But the pair reconciled when Jack presented his brother with a BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, embracing him the same way he had done 52 years earlier. 

‘Bobby Charlton is the greatest player I’ve ever seen and he’s my brother,’ Jack told the audience.

He may not have been as skilful as his younger brother, but Jack Charlton was a brave, fierce and loyal footballer as well as a charismatic manager.

Perhaps his personality is best summed up by his comments to the press after Ireland lost 3-0 to Portugal: ‘Can we go now please? I’d like a beer.’