IN LEEDS WE TRUST: Big Jack Charlton has always been our shining star - now it’s official

A first victory in another seven goal thriller, yet more signings, giving a voice to the next generaton of supporters and a very special tribute to Big Jack Charlton...here’s this week’s column from the board of the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust.
Pat Charlton, Jack's wife, has been given a certificate marking the official naming of a star 'Big Jack'.Pat Charlton, Jack's wife, has been given a certificate marking the official naming of a star 'Big Jack'.
Pat Charlton, Jack's wife, has been given a certificate marking the official naming of a star 'Big Jack'.

Only two weeks into the new season and Leeds United have already got their first victory under the belt!

It would have been nice for the score to have stayed at 4-1 and Fulham made it a little bit scary by pulling it back to 4-3 in a nervous 10 minute period, but in the end we settled down and the game was won.

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Onwards and upwards to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Sunday, complete with another new signing in Diego Llorente! We’re not messing about with relegation this year are we...

Last week also saw the Premier League 2 clash for the Leeds United under-23 team against Wolves at Thorp Arch, which ended 2-2 with fine goals from Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood.

The club have invested heavily in young talent this year, with the most recent acquisition being 18-year-old Crysencio Summerville from Feyenoord.

A further advantage is that they are all playing pure Bielsa-ball, week in and week out, so that should help increase the possibility of many of them transitioning to the first team in the near future.

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At the Trust we also recognise the importance of giving a voice to the next generation of Leeds United fans.

We’re really pleased to have recently announced that, in partnership with the club, we’re launching a Junior Future Trust Board.

We plan to hold a junior board meeting at the club every quarter and the first meeting will be on Thursday, October 29.

It will be hosted by our Future Trust President, Ben Shires, the TV and radio presenter, who said: “I’m really looking forward to taking part and hosting the first Leeds United Supporters’ Trust Junior Board Meeting.

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It really is a unique opportunity for our younger fans to be involved and put their questions forward to the club.

“It’s important that we also listen to their views, as after all they are the future of the club.”

Leeds United’s Legacy and Heritage is also one of the Trust’s objectives and we have spoken previously about our ongoing work to commemorate the late great Jack Charlton, the club’s record appearance holder.

In the meantime, the Trust are very pleased to have presented a small gift of a star certificate named “Big Jack” to his widow, Pat, which she has recently received.

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Jack was a true star and will never be forgotten by fans of the club, both old and young.

As mentioned in the Trust’s Yorkshire Evening Post column last week, we are also planning for Jack to be featured in a painted mural in Pudsey alongside his fellow club legends who have recently passed away, Norman Hunter and Trevor Cherry.

Adding your own voice to the Trust’s work is easy. Simply visit our website at www.leedsunitedtrust.com and become a member for just £10 per year.

As a member, you can also enrol your child for free as a Future Trust member!

Marching on together.

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