On This Day: Jack Charlton Was Born | OneFootball

'Big Jack' would go on to become one of the all-time great central defenders

On this day in 1935, Leeds United legend Jack Charlton was born, going on to become the club's record appearance holder, helping the club lift domestic and European trophies, whilst also winning the 1966 World Cup with England.

Charlton made 773 appearances for Leeds United over a 23-year period as a player, becoming one of the all-time great central defenders in the game.

He joined the club at the age of 15 in 1950 as part of the ground staff, before signing professional terms and was handed a debut against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday 25th April 1953 in a 1-1 draw at Elland Road.

‘Big Jack’ was part of the club’s most successful era to date, first helping win promotion from the Second Division twice, as runners-up in 1955/56 and champions in 1963/64.

In 1967, Charlton was named as the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year. before winning the League Cup in 1968, the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1968 and 1971, the First Division in 1968/69, the Charity Shield in 1969 and the FA Cup in 1972.

Charlton retired from playing at the end of the 1972/73 season, with his final game coming against Southampton on 28th April 1973.

Along with his record total of 773 appearances, Charlton scored 96 times for Leeds, making him the club’s ninth highest scorer in our history.