Live

Highlights on Off The Ball

10:00 AM-01:00 PM

Highlights on Off The Ball
Advertisement
Soccer

"He never bought a drink!" | John Giles on 'best' defender Jack Charlton

John Giles has been fulsome in his praise of Jack Charlton during his look back at Leeds United's...



Soccer

"He never bought a drink!" | John Giles on 'best' defender Jack Charlton

John Giles has been fulsome in his praise of Jack Charlton during his look back at Leeds United's all-time best XI.

Giles joined Off The Ball on Thursday night to discuss the greatest to have graced Elland Road and Charlton - Leeds' record appearance-maker - was deeply well-regarded.

"I'd say Jack was the best centre-half in that division for five years," said Giles.

"Jack was a good header of the ball, he read it quite well and was deceptively quick. He was a big, lanky fella that could cover the ground well.

"I think he was the best centre-half for at least five seasons.

"He was very quick, if there was a ball down the line it was seldom that he was beaten for pace. Jack was good on his left and right."

High praise, indeed - and regard that led Charlton to being a mainstay of the England side that won a World Cup on home soil in 1966. Success did not change Charlton, as Giles was quick to explain.

"He never, ever bought a drink! It never changed him," said Giles before saying he well believed the old tales of Charlton paying for everything with a cheque when managing Ireland.

"A couple of lads warned me when I first got there: 'Be careful when you go out, Jack will tap you up!'

"He did and he never paid it back! Jack would come up to you saying 'do you have a fiver on you?'

"You would have a look and say 'No, I don't, Jack,' - he would always catch the new guys!"

It was still enough for Jack to make the final cut for Giles' all-time XI - which you can find here.

Subscribe to Off The Ball's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.


Read more about

Football Jack Charlton John Giles Soccer