Danny Murphy's Top Ten Footballers
chosen on Talksport, Colin Murray's friends slot, began with John
Charles at number 10. You have to be of a certain age to remember him, but he was regarded as one of the great players. It may have been
that he was playing in an era when there were not so many great
players around, hence less competition; the African continent had not
been discovered by football agents, Eastern Europe was emerging
slowly, South American still growing.
Ironically it was the great Hungarians,
World Cup finalists in 1954 and a team that had whipped Engalnd 6-3
and 7-1, that prevented John Charles from enjoying World Cup glory in 1958. Had he
not been hacked down unmercilessly by the Hungarian team in a play
off game and badly injured, Wales might have got past Brazil in the
quarter-final of the cup in Sweden. Wales lost to a goal
scored by Pele, but were without their super star.
Beginning his career at Swansea Town,
Charles was spotted by Major Frank Buckley the manager at Leeds
United and then he was sold to Juventus for £65,000. This was one of
the first transfers abroad from Britain and he won the hearts of the
Italians, who called him “Il gigante buono”.
He returned to leeds having helped his
Italian club to three Serie A titles and two Coppa Italia wins, then
had a spell at Roma, fading away to Cardiff City, Hereford United and
finally Merthyr Tydfil. He made 683 appearances for these teams and
scored 333 goals, finishing his career in 1972. I saw him play in a
testimonial game at Elland Road in 1973.
Despite his massive frame 6'2” and 15
stone, he was a gentle giant who was never booked. Juve in their
Centenary year gave him the title of their best ever overseas player,
he has a bust at the Leeds United ground and a stand named after him.
With him Wales might have won the World Cup in 1958.
Playing at centre half or centre
forward, Charles was more than a battering ram; he had a knack of
hanging in the air and scoring great headed goals, as well amazing
unselfish play on the ground.
His brother Mel, also an international, made a very successful
career in football and his grandson Jake plays at Huddersfield Town
and for Wales at Youth level so far.
John died on 21st February
2004 aged 72.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nXnPDsk9Uwnn
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