I only started to like him after he hung up his boots, dirty Leeds clogger.
Fair do's though, it could not have been easy for a player of his limitations, living in the shadow of his Brother & the Milburn clan.
Likely that is why he developed such a good down to earth character, which served him well in management & endeared him to everyone... particularly the Irish, who absolutely adored him.
I used to visit Ireland a lot for business in the 90's. I wondered why people at Cork Airport would queue up to have their photo captured with the unnamed seated bronze figure of a fella fishing... Until one visit, I finally realised who it was an image of...!
Yes, I did eventually forgive him for giving away that free kick just before West Germany levelled at 2-2. I even forgave him for being a Leeds player. I eventually realised the guy would have been fun to be around - not that I ever met him. I did see him play once in this game (not that I remember much about it)
Yes, I did eventually forgive him for giving away that free kick just before West Germany levelled at 2-2.
He set up the German opener too... He was one of those players - along with Peter Shilton - who saved up his mistakes for the really big occasion...!
The West Germany opener followed a poor defensive header by Ray Wilson, not Jackie 'Giraffe' Charlton. Maybe such gaffes should be known as Sprak(e)isms.
EDIT: He did give away the penalty in the semi-final against Portugal though, but that would have been a goal anyway so he manipulated a dog's chance for Banks.
You're right Paul, although neither Charlton or Banks responded well to it.
I tended to blame - likely unfairly - all of England's defensive woes on the big fella, just felt he was a liability, who was lucky to have the likes of Moore, Stiles & Banks to get him off the hook.
He is the prime example of the popular view that average players make better managers than their more talented peers. He managed a few centre-back - O Leary, Lawrensen, McGrath - who were twice the player he ever was.
You're right Paul, although neither Charlton or Banks responded well to it.
I tended to blame - likely unfairly - all of England's defensive woes on the big fella, just felt he was a liability, who was lucky to have the likes of Moore, Stiles & Banks to get him off the hook.
He is the prime example of the popular view that average players make better managers than their more talented peers. He managed a few centre-back - O Leary, Lawrensen, McGrath - who were twice the player he ever was.
Ramsey used to say that he didn't necessarily pick the best players in their positions, but the ones who would fit into his teamplay the best. There were certainly better centre backs around than JC in '66, but he was probably picked mainly for his aerial ability.
You're right Paul, although neither Charlton or Banks responded well to it.
I tended to blame - likely unfairly - all of England's defensive woes on the big fella, just felt he was a liability, who was lucky to have the likes of Moore, Stiles & Banks to get him off the hook.
He is the prime example of the popular view that average players make better managers than their more talented peers. He managed a few centre-back - O Leary, Lawrensen, McGrath - who were twice the player he ever was.
Ramsey used to say that he didn't necessarily pick the best players in their positions, but the ones who would fit into his teamplay the best. There were certainly better centre backs around than JC in '66, but he was probably picked mainly for his aerial ability.
Well that was certainly true when it came to Jimmy greaves.
I always thought of him as a dirty Leeds clogger but in thoes days a forward only got past a defender once the next time he was in row Z. But saying that he did a very good job for England and Leeds in the times that he played i would rather of had him in my team than against me.
