Big Jack Charlton is yet another huge loss in a tough year for Leeds United fans

But in so many ways that really doesn’t matter. As Leeds United fans, we can just focus on being incredibly proud. The team have played under immense pressure, without falling apart and despite having to play our games after all of the other promotion contenders. We showed against Swansea and Barnsley that we were up for the battle to win promotion on our own terms and not worry about the performances of other teams.

One person who embraced a battle and would have loved to have fought alongside us was Big Jack.

The loss of Jack Charlton, a true Leeds United legend and record appearance holder, was such devastating news for the Trust, as it was for all of the club’s fans. You can tell the stature that he was held by reading the heartfelt tributes that have poured in over the last week for this defensive rock who served club and country with such distinction. He was clearly loved and revered as both a footballer and as a gentleman.

There have quite rightly been calls both locally and nationally for a fitting permanent tribute to Jack, including the Yorkshire Evening Post’s campaign for a memorial at Elland Road.

Important footballing figures and many MPs are also leading a push for Jack to be posthumously knighted, so he may forever be referred to as Sir Jack alongside other heroes of the 1966 World Cup winning team.

We at the Trust fully support these campaigns and have always recognised the importance of Leeds United’s legacy and heritage, which is one of our key objectives. Over the last few months, the Trust has been in dialogue with Leeds City Council to find the most appropriate way of commemorating Jack and his important achievements for the city of Leeds.

We wanted to do this whilst Jack was still with us, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.

We’re delighted that the council are in full agreement that Jack needs to be properly recognised. We will continue to work in partnership with the council, other relevant groups across the city, the club and our fans to bring this to fruition.

We recognise that it’s been a really tough year for fans, having already lost a number of greats. Jack will always be a strong, unforgettable part of the club’s history and he was a proud member of the greatest team the world has ever seen.

Rest in peace Big Jack. Thank you for the memories.

You can be involved and support the work of the Trust by simply visiting our website at www.leedsunitedtrust.com and signing up to become a member for just £10 per year.

This will also give you a voice on the important matters and junior members can sign up for free.

Marching On Together.