Jack Charlton: Tributes paid by England, Republic of Ireland and former clubs - BBC Sport
The Football Association of Ireland says former manager Jack Charlton "changed Irish football forever" as it led tributes after he died aged 85.
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The Football Association of Ireland says former manager Jack Charlton "changed Irish football forever".

The former Leeds and England defender, who had been diagnosed with lymphoma, died on Friday aged 85.

England said it was "devastated" by the death of a key member of the 1966 World Cup-winning side.

Tributes were also paid by former clubs Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough.
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Charlton spent his entire playing career with Leeds between 1953 and 1973, before joining Middlesbrough later that year in his first managerial post.

In 1977, he took over at Wednesday and had a spell with his boyhood club Newcastle before moving into international management with the Republic of Ireland in 1986.

"Charlton's contribution to the game and Leeds United will never be forgotten," said the West Yorkshire club.

"He will remain in football folklore forever and his records at Leeds United are unlikely ever to be surpassed."

Newcastle United said: "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."

Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough said they were "saddened" to hear of Charlton's death.

One of English football's most popular characters, he was in the team that won the World Cup at Wembley in 1966, alongside his brother Bobby.

Charlton achieved unprecedented success with the Republic of Ireland, leading them to their first major finals at Euro 88 and the World Cup quarter-finals at Italia 90.

Former Republic of Ireland international David O'Leary, whose winning penalty against Romania guided the country into the quarter-final in 1990, told BBC Radio 5 Live Charlton's "impact was immense".

"He took the country from really low down to something very, very special. He was fantastic for Ireland and I think Ireland was fantastic for Jack and they both complemented each other in that great run of success," said O'Leary.

"So many people who weren't football fans got so much enjoyment, particularly during Italia 90, because any time we played, the whole country stopped to watch the match.

"Jack never let anything faze him. He had a very direct way of playing and he wasn't a man that was concerned about the opposition. It was about us playing the way he believed was best for us. He kept things simple."

Ashington-born Charlton never played for his boyhood club Newcastle, instead joining Leeds United as a 15-year-old and spent his whole playing career with the Whites.

Charlton made a record 773 appearances between 1953 and 1973, winning an English league title, FA Cup, League Cup and two Fairs Cups.

He is the third Leeds United legend to have died this year, following the deaths of team-mates Norman Hunter and Trevor Cherry.

The Leeds United Supporters' Trust hoped the club, which leads the Championship, can seal promotion to the Premier League as a fitting tribute to the three men.

"Another massively sad day for the fans and club as we lose another legend. RIP Big Jack," it said.

"If there was ever a more prominent year for us to go up it's now, let's do it for Jack, Norman and Trevor."

Current Leeds United captain Liam Cooper said Charlton's death was "a very sad day".

Former England striker Gary Lineker: "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."

Former Republic of Ireland defender Paul McGrath: "Absolutely gutted. Father figure to me for 10 years, thanks for having faith in me. Sleep well Jack, Love ya. Broken heart."

Times football writer Henry Winter: "Sad, sad day. RIP Jack Charlton. Epitome of the word legend. A winner as a player, gave everything for Leeds United and England. Inspirational manager and wonderful company. He lived the fullest of lives and enriched so many lives. Thoughts with Jack's family and his many, many friends."

Former Leeds United and Republic of Ireland midfielder Johnny Giles on BBC Radio 5 Live: "When Don Revie took over at Leeds, Jack didn't have a great reputation with training and he was prepared to let him go, but he really knuckled down and he was the best defender in what is now the Premier League for five years."

Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Mark Lawrenson on BBC Radio 5 Live: "As a manager, he had a dose of realism. Johnny Giles gave me my debut for the Republic when he was player/manager but somewhere along the line, there was always a manager who was going to come and make those players a better team, and it was Jack."