One-club Leeds United legend ‘comes home’ as memorial statue unveiled

Designed by Douglas Jennings, the statue stands in Hirst Park, the site of Charlton’s early kickabouts with brother Bobby where the World Cup-winning siblings’ love of football began.

Only ever playing for one club, the Northumberland-born defender holds the record for the most appearances made by any Leeds player, having taken to the field in a white shirt on no less than 773 occasions.

During his 21-year stint at Elland Road, Charlton contributed to an impressive number of club honours, including the FA Cup, a First Division Title and two European Fairs Cup victories - as well as becoming one of just two Whites players to have won a major tournament for England.

After retiring from playing with 35 international caps to his name, Charlton enjoyed a successful managing career, winning a second division title with Middlesborough and leading Sheffield Wednesday to promotion from the third tier before earning the love of the people of Ireland by taking their national side to three major tournaments in his decade-long tenure as manager.

There was an outpouring of grief from across the football world when Charlton died aged 85 in July 2020, with thousands lining the streets of Ashington to pay their respects for their local hero. Now, the centre-back has been honoured with a statue which depicts him in his eighties, wearing a flat cap and holding a football.

Former United team-mate Eddie Gray was one of hundreds who turned out in the rain to witness the memorial’s unveiling. Before the cloth was removed, Charlton’s widow Pat gave a touching speech to express gratitude for the love shown by the people of his hometown.

"Jack would be thrilled the people of Ashington thought so much of him," she said.

"I knew he was well liked here, but I think he'd be more than surprised at the love they've given him.

"All I can say is I’m sorry the weather wasn’t good for you. One thing about Jack, he played away a lot with his career but he’s come home at last."

Ashington Town Councillor Liam Lavery said: "Everyone loved him, I used to see him walking around having craic with people, he was such a down to earth man.

“We don't just love him here for his football, it's him as a person - he's an absolute legend."