By Chris Wright
The news has just reached Pies that Jack Charlton O.B.E. is to undergo hip-replacement surgery today after falling down the stairs at his home and shattering his pelvis last night.
According to his son, John, 76-year-old Charlton had to crawl across the hall on his hands and knees to the phone to ring him, and by the time he arrived his old man was “sitting in his chair watching telly.” Harder than granite. Some say the Universe began when Jack Charlton punched dark matter in the face.
Principally because he’s cooler than a penguin’s chuff, here’s 16 excellent photos of ‘Big Jack’ in his prime…
Jack Charlton (front row; fourth left) and the rest of the 1964 England squad
Jack Charlton lines up in his Leeds colours during a pre-season photo call at Elland Road, 1965
Jack Charlton and little brother Bobby knock a ball around during an England training session at Stamford Bridge, 1965
Jack Charlton lies in wait as the Duke of Edinburgh makes his way down the line ahead of Leeds United’s 2-1 FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool, 1965
West Ham goalkeeper Jim Standen punches clear as Jack Charlton makes a marauding run into the box at Upton Park, 1965
Jack Charlton training with England, 1966
The ‘Possibles’ for England’s World Cup squad stroll out for a training session at Lilleshall, 1966
Bobby Charlton plays an unorthodox stroke while Jack Charlton and Peter Bonetti keep wicket as the England players warm up for their World Cup semi-final against Portugal with a gentle game of cricket, 1966
Jack Charlton holds the Jules Rimet trophy aloft as he parades it around Wembley with teammates Ray Wilson, George Cohen and Bobby Moore following England’s 4-2 win over West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final
Pursued by trainer Les Cocker, England’s Jack Charlton limps off the pitch minus a boot after injuring himself during a European Championship qualifier against Scotland match, 1967
After his brother won it the year previous, Leeds United’s Jackie Charlton poses with his trophy after being elected ‘Footballer of the Year’ by the Football Writers’ Association, 1967
Bobby and Jack square off, 1969
Jack Charlton, pre-season training with Leeds, 1969
And a couple of ‘too-ace-to-not-include’ later photos thrown in for luck…
Get well soon Jack!
[Photos: PA]