In that time I interviewed Jack Charlton which was published in an article called “An Audience with Jack Charlton.”
The photograph of myself and Jack in this article was taken by Jack’s wife Pat. I had it made into 100 key rings with my contact details on the reverse side – which I gave to potential advertisers and customers.
Jack spent his entire playing career at Leeds United from 1950 to 1973. I had the pleasure of seeing him play – when I was at Leeds University – in his benefit match with Celtic in 1973.
Jack Charlton OBE’s career is well documented with league titles as a player and – a few days before his 30th birthday – he was called up to the England team to play alongside his brother Sir Bobby in the 1966 FIFA World Cup Final when England beat West Germany 4-2.
After retiring as a player, Jack Charlton worked at Middlesbrough – leading them to the Second Division title in the 1973/74 season when he also won the Manager of the Year Award. He also got Sheffield Wednesday promoted in 1979/80 and worked with Newcastle United in 1984/85 before taking charge of the Republic of Ireland team in 1986 – leading them to this first World Cup in 1990 and the 1994 World Cup.
On a personal note, during our interview, Jack told me how, at the celebration dinner in 1966, the other World Cup winning players presented him with a miniature ceramic toilet in recognition of the many times he was picked at random by FIFA for a urine test. Where they taking the p…micky? The trophy was named “The Jimmy Riddle Trophy” which Jack thought might amuse me.
When someone as big as Jack says you will be amused…….you are amused!!!
Although I saw Ricky Hatton MBE several times in Tenerife, I never had the opportunity to interview him or Frank Bruno – a fellow boxer who visited the island – or darts player John Lowe MBE, long before Luke “The Nuke” Littler was a twinkle in his dad’s eye!
I did however catch up with Ricky Hatton at the Tall Trees in Yarm, as a guest of radio personality Paul Gough. At our table was Hartlepool United’s Gary Liddle, his parents and Paul’s brother Michael. At the end of round one – when Ricky took a break from his talk – guests were invited to have their photographs taken with the former World Champion for £20 a flash.
Never one to miss a photo opportunity, I queued up with the rest of the boxing enthusiasts who posed shaking hands with the champ but when it came to my turn, I simply asked “Will you chin me?”
As you can see Ricky willingly obliged and it was £20 well spent – although I never made the image into a key ring!
Now there’s a thought if the “World is Your Lobster!”
Just my little joke – I know the expression is “Your Oyster” and in my next Across the World in 80 years – join me back in the UK on assignment for the “Sports Editor Writes” and interviews with more sporting personalities.
Author: John
Author of Around The World In 80 Years