World Cup winner Jack Charlton has died at his Northumberland home aged 85. The football legend was a familiar face around Filey as he had a cottage opposite the ‘Top House’ for many years. Indeed, Jack came to Filey to celebrate his eightieth birthday.

A towering centre half, the undoubted highlight of his career came when he was part of the team when England won the World Cup in 1966. He spent his entire football career at Leeds United, spanning the years 1950 to 1973. He played 762 times for Leeds, which is a club record. He went onto manage Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle United before becoming the manager of the Ireland national team in 1986.

Charlton guided Ireland to their first-ever major tournament when they qualified for the European Championships in West Germany in 1988. At the Italia ’90 World Cup Ireland reached the quarter final stage where they lost to hosts Italy. Four years later Jack’s team defeated Italy in the opening game of the USA ’94 World Cup.

Jack retired from football in 1996. His love of country pursuits was well known and in particular fishing. He was often seen wandering the streets of Filey. A friendly face and an absolute gentleman. RIP Jack, you will be sorely missed.