Thursday 26 February 2015

WITH IL GIGANTE BUONO-WALES MIGHT HAVE WON THE WORLD CUP

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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