RIP Jack Charlton.
Thread: Not just an underrated footballer, but a fine man. He came to our school to do a local business promo during the World Cup.
He was happy to chat to everyone (young and old alike) & pose for photos.

His dear & lovely wife came with him. She shared that he was readily tired & feeling his age, but he’d made a promise to do the tours. He must keep his word. He brought his World Cup medal & his match jersey. He insisted the children got to hold both.

Our students have additional needs and can be unpredictable and clumsy. He gave them his time, his patience & full attention.
After four of ten sessions, we could see Jack was tiring. I asked if we should bring the day to an end. But Jack hadn’t met ‘all the bairns’ yet

The students listened intently, asked quirky questions and Jack laughed his way through his answers. As each group went out he sighed & asked ‘Many more?’, but he couldn’t stop. As each new group came in he swelled up and held court.

He was a joy and answered every question with openness and warmth. He also answered my question about letting miners have free entry to SJP when NUFC boss. He smiled, was happy it was recalled, but downplayed it saying any decent person would do it.

That is how I remember him. A fine, true decent gentleman.