Jack Charlton has passed away aged 85

Ireland and the rest of the footballing world has woken up today to the sad news that 'Big' Jack Charlton has passed away aged 85.
In an official statement, the family say: "Jack died peacefully on Friday, July 10. He was at home in Northumberland, with his family by his side.
"As well as a friend to many, he was a much-adored husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
"We cannot express how proud we are of the extraordinary life he led and the pleasure he brought to so many people in different countries and from all walks of life.
"He was a thoroughly honest, kind, funny and genuine man who always had time for people.
"His loss will leave a huge hole in all our lives but we are thankful for a lifetime of happy memories."

John Aldridge speaks for the nation when he says: "Absolutely gutted that Big Jack has passed away. What a football man. Loved and adored, especially in Ireland. The best manager I was lucky to play for. The times we had on and off the pitch was priceless! My thoughts are with Pat and the family. RIP my good friend, never forgotten!"

Officialdom has been quick to react too, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin adding: "So saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Charlton who brought such honesty and joy to the football world.He personified a golden era in Irish football-the Italia 90 campaign being one of pure joy for the nation. He gave us magical memories.Thank you Jack."

From the world of entertainment, Outlander star Caitriona Balfe comments: "Felt like he was Ireland’s dad in the 90’s... made us all feel like our little country had a rightful place on the world stage of football. What a man."

A World Cup winner with England in 1966, Jack proved to be every bit as inspirational as a manager as he was as a player, with a no nonsense style that invariably unnerved the opposition, and brought the best out in those he'd put on the team-sheet.

He may have ended his tenure as Republic of Ireland manager in December 1995, but Jack never left the nation's psyche with the Boys In Green's Italia '90 World Cup heroics much discussed during lockdown.

Here are some of the tributes that are flooding in:

The FAI is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Jack Charlton, the manager who changed Irish football forever.

Our thoughts are with Pat and the family at this sad time.#RIP pic.twitter.com/PonuRtW9fu

— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) July 11, 2020

Really saddened to hear the passing of the great Jack Charlton , absolute hero in Ireland growing up. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends. “We re all part of Jackies army “ #ripjackcharlton 🇮🇪🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/qSgX6eAjfA

— Shay Given (@No1shaygiven) July 11, 2020

Rest in peace Jack pic.twitter.com/Z6iIuIAzIE

— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 11, 2020

What sad news for a Saturday morning. Jack Charlton has passed away. Those were the days.

— George Hamilton (@HamiltonRTE) July 11, 2020

Jack Charlton was Ireland's most beloved English man. Sorry to hear of his passing. He kept 'em all under pressure and kept us all cheering the boys in green on. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.

— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) July 11, 2020

Saddened to hear that Jack Charlton has passed away. World Cup winner with England, manager of probably the best ever Ireland side and a wonderfully infectious personality to boot. RIP Jack.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 11, 2020

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former #NUFC manager and England World Cup winner, Jack Charlton at the age of 85.

RIP, Jack. A true legend of the game. ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/qCouZdltCq

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 11, 2020

We are devastated by the news that Jack Charlton, a member of our World Cup-winning team of 1966, has passed away.

Our deepest sympathies are with Jack’s family, friends and former clubs. pic.twitter.com/eSGjbOpo7Y

— England (@England) July 11, 2020

We're deeply saddened to report the passing of Jack Charlton, one of #Boro's greatest ever managers https://t.co/MPzzJbR1BY

— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) July 11, 2020

Rest in peace Jack pic.twitter.com/Z6iIuIAzIE

— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 11, 2020

All of Ireland is sad to hear of the passing of Jack Charlton. He lifted the nation and gave us some truly incredible memories through those wonderful summers of 88, 90 and 94. #ThankyouJack

— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) July 11, 2020