Fans memories of Big Jack - one of Leeds United's greatest sons

Jack Charlton was not only a Leeds United icon but a legend of the beautiful game.

The centre-back joined the Whites at the age of 15 in 1950 as part of the ground staff, before signing professional terms.

He would go on to spend his entire career with Leeds spanning 23 years making a club record 773 appearances. During that time he helped the Whites win a First Division title, a Second Division title, two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups, an FA Cup, a League Cup and a Charity Shield.

The defender, who also helped Leeds to promotion from the Second Division as runners-up in 1956, also scored 96 times for Leeds, making him the club’s ninth highest scorer.

And Charlton was capped 35 times by his country playing every match as England won the 1966 World Cup.

The Leeds United family and the world of football have been quick to pay tribute to 'Big Jack' and impact he had on the beautiful game.

Tributes include:

Peter Collins - "Jack was a greatly underrated player, not least by Jack himself.‎ His goals per game ratio incredibly was around 1 goal every 7 or 8 games, say no more. He scored a cracking right foot shot on the turn in my first ever match at Elland Road, something you would more expect from Allan Clarke. You don't play centre half in one of football's greatest ever club teams and England's World Cup winning team unless you are a great yourself."

Tony Harte - "Jack will remain forever in football folklore. His record at Leeds is unlikely to ever be surpassed. World Cup winner and hero in Ireland. Yet, above all that, he was an extraordinary man. We should remember the character full of passion, laughter, humility, and realism."

Ken Richardson - "As a youngster l went down to watch the lads train and afterwards waited to get autographs. Big Jack came out and l asked Jack for his autograph, Jack was happy to sign and with a smile. Alan Peacock was with Jack so l asked Alan and he said no. Big Jack grabbed Alan and said: 'this lad has waited for autographs so get it signed' which Alan did . From that day Jack was my hero all the way through to the end. God bless you Jack."

Eugene Morice - "I'm a Boro fan but I'm of Irish extraction and I lived in Leeds for 18 years. This man was a giant in every sense of the word."

Nick Hirst - "Part of the game of football has died with the passing of Big Jack."

Yvonne Atter - "RIP Jack. You are the legend. One of the great players."

Anita Daly - "I think they should have a statue next to Billy Bremner's."

Gary Ash - "Big Jack, the giraffe, great defender, great coach, great pundit, great man, RIP Sir."

Joanne Westoby - "One of the Leeds greats."

Dave Hall - "Great man and player. saw him play many times."

Irene Parkhurst - "A lovely man. Used to meet Jack Charlton in the Old Peacock always spoke and had a chat .It was long time ago."

Dave Todd - "World Cup WINNER not many can say that, RIP Big Fella."

Henry Morgan - "Absolute legend. First saw him play in 1956. Loads of great memories of him playing. RIP Big Jack. Will never be forgotten by many. MOT."

Melway42 (@Melway42) - "I watched Big Jack's first game against Donny Rovers in April 195, last home match of the season. He played centre half that day as Raich Carter moved John Charles to centre forward."

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Thank you

Laura Collins