“He is a man I genuinely loved. He gave me his support when I needed it most”

"We're all part of Jackie's army..."

You may be too young to remember but you've heard all about the stories. Seen the interviews, split yourself at the one-liners, heard tales about the parties. One of the most magical things about the Jack Charlton era is that everyone was in on the act, even those who wouldn't usually give a continental about the beautiful game. And therein lies the greatness of the uncultured Englishman who conquered Ireland. For ten years, Jack Charlton was at the helm and those ten years were the greatest in the history of Irish football. A time when we dared to dream, a time when our own mixed it with the best in the world. Jack Charlton's was loved here and his genuine passion for Irish football and the mutual respect that existed between coach and supporters was perhaps best seen on his final outing, in Anfield in 1996. The Dutch outplayed and outclassed Jackie's team on that night but despite a disappointing end to a disappointing Euro qualifying campaign, the Irish fans sang loud for Charlton's team, they sang loud for Charlton. And when he returned for one final lap of honour, the Irish fans roared their hearts out as Jack's emotions showed after ten brilliant years. The Dutch hadn't a clue what was going on around them, the Irish knew. Tributes have poured in from far and wide after the 85-year-old's passing on Saturday morning with a number of past players summing up the impact and the peerless personality of the great man. Paul McGrath's words, were particularly fitting. "He became a father figure to me. "He is a man I genuinely loved. "He gave me his support when I needed it most." https://twitter.com/Paulmcgrath5/status/1281869993358118912 John Aldridge talked about the "priceless" memories, from both on and off the pitch. https://twitter.com/Realaldo474/status/1281868669262471170 Kevin Kilbane grew up in the Charlton era. https://twitter.com/kdkilbane77/status/1281904929200910336 "Manager of probably the best ever Ireland side," said Gary Lineker. https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1281868329079255040 Packie Bonner looks back with a smile on his face. https://twitter.com/PackieBonner1/status/1281915109032550400 The Jack Charlton we knew and love, Andy Townsend saved the best 'til last. https://twitter.com/TheCaulfieldWay/status/1281869544559124480 RIP to one of the greats.