In the run-up to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, The National’s Gary Meenaghan looks back at the figures of World Cups past who, while not necessarily the greatest the game has ever seen, were among football’s most interesting characters.
JACK CHARLTON
It says much about the achievements of Jack Charlton that he is more often remembered for being coach of Republic of Ireland than he is for winning the World Cup with England. “Big Jack” coached Ireland to their first finals in 1990, reached the last eight and qualified again in 1994.
Bruiser With a Book
Charlton was a big and bruising centre-half who played his entire 21-year career at Leeds United. On his debut in 1953, he asked what he was expected to do. His manager replied: “See how fast their centre forward can limp.” It was a tactic he embraced. In 1970, he controversially revealed he kept “a little black book” of players who had wronged him on the pitch and on whom he planned (and usually exacted) revenge.
England Celebrates
At the World Cup in 1966, he started every game alongside his brother Bobby. After the triumphant final, but before the evening celebrations, he wrote a small card and placed it in the pocket of his dress shirt. It read: “This body is to be returned to Room 508, the Royal Garden Hotel.” He woke on the floor of a friend’s house with a sore head. The card remained untouched.
Papal Respect
Big Jack was made manager of Ireland in 1986, the first foreigner to hold the role. His long-ball style was criticised, but effective. Ireland qualified for their first finals in 1990 and went on to reach the last eight. Before their quarter-final defeat to hosts Italy, they had an audience with Pope John Paul II, who told Charlton: “I know you who you are. You’re the boss.”
Ordinary Jack
Charlton led Ireland to the 1994 World Cup in the United States. The Orlando Sentinel labelled the team “loveable misfits” and Big Jack was the leader. With his unpretentious personality, he hung out with fans, played pool and joined a wedding party he had met while on the way to the bathroom. A victory against Italy helped the team progress to the second round, before losing to Holland. He was awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin, the first Englishman to receive the honour since 1854.
Follow us on Twitter @SprtNationalUAE
