Jack Charlton: Fundraising campaign launched for statue to be built in hometown

Campaign has received support from Labour MPs, trade unions and Ashington-born cricketer Mark Wood

A fundraising campaign has been launched to commemorate the late Jack Charlton with a statue in his hometown of Ashington.

The World Cup-winning England international and former Republic of Ireland manager passed away at the age of 85 last Friday.

Charlton will be fondly remembered in Ireland, in particular, having led the national team to their first major tournament at Euro ‘88 as well as the 1990 and 1994 World Cups.

The campaign for a statue in Ashington has been launched by Liam Lavery, the deputy leader of Ashington Town Council and the son of local Labour MP Ian.

“Jack Charlton is both an Ashington and national hero. I was brought up in Ashington and I know how proud local people feel about Jack. A proper working class legend,” said Lavery.

“He is loved by all in Ashington and a statue of him in the town would be a permanent reminder of what he achieved throughout his lifetime and is the least we can do to remember Jack’s successful life.”

Several Labour MPs – including Andy McDonald, Richard Burgon, Jon Trickett and Lavery’s father - have lent their support to the campaign, alongside trade union leaders and Ashington-born England cricketer Mark Wood.

Charlton’s achievements with Ireland has long been commemorated by a statue at Cork Airport, which depicts the former Leeds centre-half enjoying a spot of fishing – one of his favourite past-times.

A petition has also been launched to build support for a statue of Charlton to be erected outside Ireland’s national stadium, the Aviva.

Charlton's funeral will be held in Ashington on Tuesday, with his brother Sir Bobby Charlton expected to be among those in attendance at a limited ceremony due to the coronavirus.