A campaign has been launched to erect a statue of football legend Jack Charlton in his hometown Ashington after he died aged 85.
Charlton passed away on Friday after being diagnosed with lymphoma in the last year. He was also battling dementia.
He spent his entire 21-year playing career at Leeds, making a joint club record 773 appearances before retiring as a player in 1973 and going on to enjoy a successful and colourful career as a manager.
Now, a GoFundMe page has been set up to support a memorial for the late footballer.
A statement on the fundraising page read: "He came from a footballing town in Ashington that also produced his brother and fellow World Cup winner Bobby Charlton, who became a Manchester United legend, winning the European Cup and Ballon d’Or.
"It is only fitting that this is remembered with a statue in his hometown of Ashington."
Among those supporting the statue are union leaders, councillors and several MPs, including Ian Lavery - Ashington's MP.
One of English football's most popular and larger-than-life characters, Charlton had spells in charge of Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough, Newcastle and the Republic of Ireland, who he guided to their first major finals at Euro 88 and two more in the space of 10 years.
But Charlton was also remembered as a miner, and a son of a mining family,
He stood by the community he came from, supporting the miners’ strike in the 1980s and even lending his car to the men on the pickets.
Charlton was also one of the first signatories of the Anti-Nazi League and picked Ireland’s first ever black captain in Paul McGrath, helping to break down barriers of racism and prejudice in the game.
A family statement read: "Jack died peacefully on Friday, July 10 at the age of 85. 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.
"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."
