Fans leave tributes at Elland Road following Jack Charlton’s death
The former Leeds and England defender, who won a World Cup winner’s medal in 1966, died on Friday aged 85.
Football fans have been leaving tributes to World Cup hero Jack Charlton at the ground where he played throughout his 21-year career.
Flowers, scarves and football shirts had been laid around Charlton’s personalised floor tile outside Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium.
The former Leeds and England defender, who won a World Cup winner’s medal in 1966, died on Friday aged 85.
He said: “Big Jack meant a lot to the club and the city of Leeds, the only club he played for was Leeds. It’s obviously a loss for the club, tragic, with the loss of Trevor Cherry and Norman Hunter this year too, he was a World Cup winner and a Leeds legend.
“Obviously I didn’t know the guy personally but everyone said he was such a lovely gentleman so may he rest in peace, he meant a lot to everyone.”
He said: “Jack bridged the gap between the old Leeds, a side that once contained John Charles and not much else, and Don Revie’s legends.
“Pushed to levels he had never imagined possible, Jack will always be remembered as one of the greats, notching up a number of appearances that will probably never be surpassed.
“With the loss of Norman Hunter and Trevor Cherry so fresh in our minds, Jack’s death is a further reminder that we need to cherish the Revie boys that remain.”
Former miners’ leader and Leeds United fan Arthur Scargill also paid tribute to Charlton, a former miner from Northumberland.
He added: “Jack Charlton was one of the greatest footballers Leeds United and England have ever had but his support, together with Leeds United manager Brian Clough, for members of the NUM in 1984/85 earned him the respect of all miners and women miners’ support groups, who called him a hero.”
Among tributes left at Elland Road was a bouquet signed from the Leeds United Supporters Trust, members and all fans, which simply read: “RIP Big Jack. MOT (Marching On Together) forever.”
Another from Emma and Freddie Burnell said: “Jack, a true legend, a real gent. RIP.”
On social media, a number of fans called for a lasting tribute at the stadium.
Lee Crossley tweeted: “We should rename Elland Road the Jack Charlton stadium.”
Twitter user @LUFCalypso said: “Would love to see a statue for Trevor Cherry, Jack Charlton and Norman Hunter built somewhere outside Elland Road. 1,568 appearances, numerous trophies and other notable appearances between them should never be forgotten.”
And @paudi_lufc wrote on Twitter: “Big Jack was always going to get honoured at Elland Road. Jack Charlton East Stand most likely. Just wish they’d honour these legends when they are around to see it, so that they can appreciate the legacy they’ve left behind at Leeds United.”
