Former United boss Charlton honoured with statue in Ashington

World Cup winner Charlton, who was part of England's victorious squad in 1966, has been honoured with the permanent memorial at Hirst Park in Ashington where he played as a youngster.

Magpies hero Bob Moncur was in attendance as the statue was unveiled at the weekend, along with fellow ex-Magpie Bryan 'Pop' Robson, former owner Sir John Hall and the club's head of supporter services Sarah Medcalf. Charlton's widow Pat and brother Tom were also among those present.

Charlton, who passed away at the age of 85 in July 2020, spent his entire playing career with Leeds United before moving into management with Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday. He spent a year in charge of Newcastle - overseeing United during the 1984/85 campaign - before a hugely successful decade managing the Republic of Ireland, who he led to three major tournaments.

The statue was sculpted by Douglas Jennings and is part of a project which is also aiming to honour other North East sporting greats, including Charlton's brother Bobby and Magpies legend Jackie Milburn.

Photograph courtesy of Keith Saint