Finding jack

[CalverleyBoy]

Have not seen this programme yet but I've read lots about Jack Charlton as the player,manager and the man.Also have read many stories about him from former players which offer opinions across the board.

One player Charlton got the best out of was Irishman Paul McGrath who reached unimaginable lows in his life.I read a lot of books and McGrath recalled that at his worst in his autobiography (Back from the Brink) as being when so desperate for a drink he decided to drink Domestos before slashing his wrists when at Villa in the 1990s.

Harrowing stuff - but a world that unless you have experienced you can't and have no right to understand.Despite drink issues revolving from a shocking childhood,racism and depression from a young age McGrath for 90 minutes on a football pitch playing for Big Jack was utterly sublime but off it was sadly a tortured soul.

Charlton appeared to have a tremendous endearing warmth which often illness cannot take away no matter how brutal and likewise the shy McGrath with his private mental health demons.Both characters which lessons can be taken from in moving forward through ones life - for me anyway.

Look forward to seeing the telly documentary on Jack.

McGrath is interviewed in the documentary, he speaks honestly and humbly about his issues and the support Charlton gave him. David O'Leary comes over well in it also

[hopelesslyoptimistic]

He had some great players for Ireland and weaved them into a formidable team.

Moran
O’Leary
McGrath
Lawrenson
Staunton
Brady
Keane
Whelan
Houghton
Townsend
Sheedy
Aldridge
Quinn

The current team could do with him and a few of them.

[gaz1959]

He had some great players for Ireland and weaved them into a formidable team.

Moran
O’Leary
McGrath
Lawrenson
Staunton
Brady
Keane
Whelan
Houghton
Townsend
Sheedy
Aldridge
Quinn

The current team could do with him and a few of them.

Jim (didn't like Jimmy apparently) Quinn a Swindon legend and Swindon fan. He used to sing along with the fans when he was our manager

[Tichi1]

Hate to see family fall outs, shame about his fall out with Bobby TBH - Sad that he took that to the grave.
Don't think Townsend was a fan though.........

[hopelesslyoptimistic]

Hate to see family fall outs, shame about his fall out with Bobby TBH - Sad that he took that to the grave.
Don't think Townsend was a fan though.........

Can’t quite remember the source but I think they spoke cordially at the funeral of one of the Man U players a few years back.