Jack Charlton, World Cup winner and Leeds United stalwart, dies aged 85

He spent his entire club career at Elland Road, making over 700 appearances and was an integral part of the England team that won the 1966 World Cup.

Now renowned as one of the greatest central defenders to play the game, Charlton made his Leeds debut in a 1-1 draw with Doncaster Rovers in April 1953.

Charlton helped Leeds win the Second Division title in the 1963–64 season before going on to claim the First Division title with the Whites in 1968–69.

He also celebrated cup victories with Leeds by winning the FA Cup in 1972 and League Cup four years previous in 1968.

Leeds won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup twice, in 1968 and 1971 respectively, during Charlton's time at Elland Road.

Charlton was capped 35 times by his country, scoring six goals, and played in the 1966 World Cup final triumph over West Germany.

The brother of fellow England international, Bobby Chalrton, Jack amassed 773 appearances for Leeds in his professional career, a club record which he shares with Billy Bremner.

He was also something of a goalscorer, finding the net 96 times from defence while his 629 league appearances for the Whites is also a club record.

He was named the 1967 Football Writers Association Player of the Year before retiring in 1973 and was appointed an OBE in 1974.

Charlton wasn't out of the game long, however, taking the manager's job at Middlesbrough for the 1973-74 campaign and led the club to the Second Division title in his first season.

He kept Middlesbrough in the top flight before resigning in April 1977.

He joined Sheffield Wednesday in the same year, leading the club out of the Third Division in the 1979-80 season before returning to Middlesbrough as caretaker manager in 1984.

The former Leeds stalwart also managed Newcastle United and the Republic of Ireland, leading the nation to their first-ever World Cup tournament in 1990 and again in 1994.

Charlton retired from management in 1996 and a statement from his family said: "Jack died peacefully on Friday, July 10 at the age of 85. He was at home in Northumberland, with his family by his side

"As well as a friend to many, he was a much-adored husband, father, grandfather and great- grandfather.

"We cannot express how proud we are of the extraordinary life he led and the pleasure he brought to so many people in different countries and from all walks of life.

"He was a thoroughly honest, kind, funny and genuine man who always had time for people. His loss will leave a huge hole in all our lives but we are thankful for a lifetime of happy memories."

A Leeds United statement said: "Charlton’s contribution to the game and Leeds United will never be forgotten. He will remain in football folklore forever and his records at Leeds United are unlikely ever to be surpassed.

"Naturally, our thoughts are with Jack’s family and friends at this difficult time."