A fitting memorial has been unveiled in Jack Charlton’s hometown of Northumberland.
The statue can be found at Hirst Park in Ashington, where the England legend honed his football skills.
Charlton was, famously, a member of our 1966 World Cup-winning team, alongside brother Bobby.
He died in 2020 aged 85, after a battle with lymphoma.
His widow, Pat revealed he would be “chuffed” to have been honoured with a statue, as well as shown love from the people in the town.
“Jack would be thrilled the people of Ashington thought so much of him,” she said.
“I knew he was well liked here, but I think he’d be more than surprised at the love they’ve given him.”
The memorial was unveiled by Pat and another of Jack’s brothers, Tom.
Ashington Football Club chairman Bill Doherty shared his happiness about Charlton’s legacy living on.
“All the town comes together for these footballing moments,” he said.
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“Everyone knew who [the Charlton brothers] were. Jack used to visit Ashington often. You’d see him at the British Legion or the post office.
“I think his legacy does continue. We’ll all be watching the World Cup when it starts in November. These two lads went and lifted the trophy.
“Them being from Ashington, that’s really special.”
Jack Charlton had a storied career in the game – playing a record 762 times for Leeds United and winning the league title in 1969.
Incredibly, he didn’t receive his first international cap until he was 30, going on to earn 35 caps for his country.
After retiring, Charlton went into management – enjoying spells at Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle United.
He also tasted success at international level with Republic of Ireland – leading them to the 1988 European Championships and the 1990 World Cup.
