Nikita x
D I have recently found out that John Charles is a relation to me i think on my grandads side.
Thu Dec 4 16:12:12 2008

Thomas Jenkins, Devon
In my mind he's undoubtedly the greatest player to ever play for Leeds. I honestly believe that there's a very good case to be made for him being the best player ever. Could Pele, Maradona, Cruyff et al have played in two radically different positions and have been absolutely world-class in both? If defenders were rated as highly as attackers when people write and talk about these things; if people were dazzled by the ability to bring people into the game as much as by individual brilliance; if people respected bravery, sportsmanship and commitment as much as they do flamboyance then surely, surely this man would have to be considered. My idol.
Fri Mar 14 12:33:51 2008

Brian Morgan of Newport, Gwent.
I was living in Amsterdam when the great man died. The Dutch television made much of his skills, sporting behaviour and how revered he was worldwide. Since John had his finest years in Italy he was much undervalued here, but the football-loving Italians knew what a genius they had in their midst. How they loved him, and still do.JC, you were the best.
Mon Jan 14 10:53:33 2008

Gabriele Whelan
What a gentleman. Will never forget the words he spoke to me when dating Peter his son for 5 years and things were going so terribly wrong. He stood by me and gave me solid guidance which led me to a successful marriage and career and wonderful lifestyle in Dubai for the past 20 years. Thank you John ...always in my thoughts, always in my heart. A true Gentle Giant. Still so sorely missedx x x x Gabriele x x x
Mon Apr 2 18:34:01 2007

Darryl Biech
A great man and footballer like John Charles is inspiring to all generations and all peoples, as he sets the sort of example that we'd all want to attempt to approach.
Fri Jun 30 10:01:46 2006

Lewis Edwards
Isaw the great King John Charles play a few times, but the one game I remeber best is the one against England at Wembley in the early 50s. In that game John Charles and Trevor Ford played together, and this may well have been the game that introduced us to the twin striker of football. A great man, and a great player.
Wed Jun 14 09:16:35 2006

T.Jones from Swansea
Legend
Wed Oct 26 13:40:56 2005

James Davies, Cwmdu, Swansea
I never saw the great man play, I'm only 32, but being from Cwmdu, an area in Swansea, my dad and grandad always talked about the great man ... Cwmdu will never forget you bigman!
Mon Jun 6 17:11:04 2005

Carl Wardle, Leeds forever
Good Luck John in the next life.
Wed Jan 12 13:30:10 2005

Sam from Swansea
I heard lots of stories from my family about John Charles he was the best in the world I was told. I only hope that Wales can produce more players like the Gentle Giant if we did no team could touch us!!!

My uncle once saw John up a pub in Swansea and managed to give me his autograph - he wishes me happy birthday on a profile of his that was a great birthday present and I still have it and I always will. R.I.P.
Sat Nov 13 10:29:08 2004

Simon Mason, Swansea
John was the Founder Patron of the Gentle Giant Trust ( http://www.gentlegianttrust.org ). The trust would welcome any additions to the Book of Condolence or the Your Memories Section.
Tue Aug 10 12:59:48 2004

James Dean LIbya
I had the great fortune to shake Mr Charles' hand at the Pines club in Swansea months before his death. It was a proud moment for me and will always be with me. We all have our opinions of the greatest footballer who ever lived but he was more than a footballer, he was one of the greatest human beings of his time.
Mon Jul 5 09:42:12 2004

Kirsty Martin From Townhill Swansea
We are really sorry that John had died he was a great footballer and always will be. Everybody will miss him and all the fans and schools.
Mon Mar 15 10:14:55 2004

Ben Charles from Swansea.
John was my uncle, I would like to share a story that he once told. It refers to the Italian FA who wanted to present John with a golden boot as a tribute to his goal scoring exploits in Italy. They asked John what size boot he was. John enquired "Is it a solid gold boot?", "Yes John, it is solid gold!" to which John replied, "If that is the case, then I am a size 32!". God bless you John. The King is dead...Long live the king!
Sat Mar 13 15:43:14 2004

Marcus Charles and Family
John Charles was the greatest example of a football hero.I also had the extra honour of him being my uncle.It is a great thing to be reading all your messages and seeing how far across the world he was known.I only hope that he is still talked about for years to come.I also keep my fingers crossed that my son Jacob will follow in his foot steps.
Tue Mar 9 19:02:06 2004

Leonard Stewart - Seattle Washigton
I remember like it was yesterday reading the Edinburgh Evening News all those years ago. 67,000 pounds for a footballer. But, what a footballer. A Mozart of soccer and above all humility extraordinaire. To be rated a hero in Italy for a non Italian close to impossible. John changed all that. The soccer scene and indeed the world is a sadder place without him. To his family a treasure for all of us treasured memories
Mon Mar 8 19:50:24 2004

Martin Braunton from Auckland,New Zealand.
I'm not old enough to see John Charles play but the legend of the man lives on. I'm going to put a picture of John on my classroom's 'Wall of Inspiration' as a small personal tribute to him. Peace Perfect Peace.
Tue Mar 2 00:47:48 2004

Richard Arnold, Townhill, Swansea - now Connecticu
Big John Died on my 71st birthday. I played against John at the "sloping" pitch in Morriston about 1943. I played right-half for the Swansea Boys' Club, John played center-half for Morriston. We lost 13-0. Enough said. He really was a very well respected "Gentle Giant" then - not many of us left from those teams! "Rest In Peace John".
Mon Mar 1 21:33:01 2004

Keith Parker from London
As an exiled Leeds fan may I add my few words of condolence to the family and friends of the Gentle Giant. May I also say, I never saw John play but met him in Leeds last summer - what a gentleman. It is just a shame that John was not available for the current Wales team - Mark Hughes could have won the World Cup with JC in his team!
Mon Mar 1 20:19:21 2004

Mark Davies
What an absolute legend! John Charles could have been a film star let alone one of the greatest players of all time. Those chiselled looks, the size of the guy! I remember watching the Wales 2-1 victory against Italy whe he was guest of honour. The Gentle Giant was crying as he came onto the pitch - I was in floods of tears just watching him. Rest in peace John.
Mon Mar 1 19:56:41 2004

Dave - Cheltenham
At a time when 'Roy of the Rovers' was my read, he was someone who featured on sweets, cigarette and bubble gum cards for me and was a huge name. Clearly he was way above just that - the tributes say it all - an absolute legend and clearly in a league of his own when the game was harder and the rewards fewer. An example that many today should live up to. May he rest in peace. Dave
Mon Mar 1 18:47:05 2004

Adeeb Usmani from London
Although I never saw John Charles play, since I'm only in my 20s, I am amazed at the number of glowing tributes that he has received. Therefore I can only imagine that he was a wonderful sportsman and personality, and wish to pass my condolences to his family and friends
Mon Mar 1 17:19:40 2004

Gavin O'Connor - Merthyr
The biggest tribute given to Charles is the amount of tributes he's received. From the stories people have of him speaks, literally, volumes for the man as a person and sportsman. Boy he must've been some player and I wish I could have testified to his legend.
Mon Mar 1 13:20:06 2004

Ariffin from Singapore
May John Charles humility and dedication towards the game be a benchmark for the new generation of players.
Mon Mar 1 12:05:28 2004

Paul Davies From Dundee (Originally from Barry)
I never saw the great man play but my dad says he was the best player that has ever put on boots!! You can keep your Beckham the man had TALENT !!!!!!!!
Mon Mar 1 09:59:49 2004

Eric Jones from Caernarfon
Sir Stanley Mathews, Sir Tom Finney, Sir Bobby Charlton, all great players, and had he been English, perhaps Sir John Charles. But then, how can a king be relegated to a knight? Nos da i'r Brenin!
Sun Feb 29 20:11:18 2004

Dafydd Lloyd From Swansea
I'm to young to remember John Charles play football,but i've been told by my grandfather many times what a brilliant player he was. I hope that here in Swansea there will be a memorial for the Gentle Giant.
Fri Feb 27 22:43:15 2004

Josh Williams from Lavendon
I have never seen a more frendliy person play so a harsh game. I think that the world will miss him and we will always be sorry for his family.
Fri Feb 27 14:27:40 2004

Malcolm Henrick form Blackburn
I myself never saw John Charles play for Leeds though my dad worshiped him, he was always telling us how he was the greatest ever player that played for Leeds, rest in peace.
Thu Feb 26 23:55:15 2004

Michael Bennett from Liverpool
Think football - think John Charles. The name conjures up pictures of a real giant amongst men and evokes the most wonderful, magical memories of a golden age. Proof that the "good old days" really did exist and that larger than life personalities could also have the humility, courtesy, pleasantness and dignity that made John Charles such a superb role model. I have vivid memories of the excitement of John Charles signing for Cardiff City and of getting his autograph. I was fortunate enough to see him play for City and Wales. Time passes, but somehow it seemed that John Charles would always grace our stage. We are privileged to have witnessed his talent and can only be the better for his example. Thanks for the memories and for the pride that you gave us.
Thu Feb 26 10:07:39 2004

Ian Moore from Castleford West Yorkshire
I have had the great fortune to be in the company of the great John Charles on a small number of occasions - at a 'LUFC old boys' charity match at Ferrybridge and the same at the Hunslet Sports complex spring to mind, where Peter Lorimar presides. What a fantastic gentleman. Everything about him epitimised what a sportsman should represent. Our hearts are broken and your memory will not fade. God bless you 'Gentle Giant'. I hope Leeds Utd will erect some kind of memorial.
Tue Feb 24 16:17:52 2004

Allan Shaw from Leeds
I was born two miles from Elland Road. My father was a Hunslet rugby supporter so I had to sneak off to see him play. I had only one reason to go and that was to see this amazing man in action. After one game he was standing at the side of the stand and I cautiously approached him and asked for autograph. With a smile he signed my book. I have never forgotten. No other player has ever made this impression on me.
Tue Feb 24 15:08:13 2004

Ian Escreet - Leeds
My Dad took me to my first Leeds Utd match in 1967 for a midweek tie with Newcastle. I remember him naming the Utd team for me and that he said that Big Jack (Charlton)and Albert Johansson were playing and they had started their careers' with one of the worlds finest ever players....Big John Charles. My Dad told me what a fair player he was and how he wished he could be a part of the Revie team that was emerging as such a great side. I never saw him play (I was born in 1959) but I have often thought about his fair play, particularly when you witness the antics of some modern players. I never saw you play Mr Charles, but you have always been close to my heart. Sincerest condolences to your family.
Mon Feb 23 22:55:52 2004

Paul Vanes of Birmingham
I was lucky enough to see the Gentle Giant in action for Leeds. Being Italian football mad, I have several full scrapbooks covering many years but the Buono Gigante was, is and always will be the greatest. Please give my sincere condolences to Glenda Charles and their children. Thanks for so many pleasant memories that will never be forgotten.
Mon Feb 23 22:03:52 2004

H Caswell, London
I had the good fortune to meet John on just one occasion, in the Commercial Inn (Peter Lorimer’s pub), just before the first Leeds home game of the 2002/03 season. I took the opportunity to approach the great man during a lull in a conversation he was having with some Norwegian Leeds supporters, and told him what an honour it was to meet a living legend. He smiled that huge smile of his, appearing a little embarrassed, but was more than happy to supply his autograph for a friend of mine’s son, Josh – a 7-year old Leeds fanatic. “Of course, no problem!” he said as he signed the hastily modified beer mat I presented him with. I was speaking to this same friend only day’s after John’s death and the first thing he told me was that his son still had the signed beer mat and that it had pride of place amongst his fast-growing Leeds United memorabilia. Indeed, on hearing the sad news, Josh looked a little upset and said: “I’ve got his autograph!” He then added, “Did you know, dad, that he was never booked?” It speaks volumes that an 8-year old fan is aware of who John Charles was, is, and always will be – a true legend. Farewell, Gentle Giant.
Mon Feb 23 20:40:59 2004

Ron Jenkins
Being an ex footballer myself, I feel qualified having seen John play on quite a few occasions to say he was the best all round footballer I have ever seen, and what a sad sad loss. I feel sorry for all the people who never saw him play. Rest in peace John.
Mon Feb 23 19:34:44 2004

Derek Charles from Cardiff
Although I was never football fan myself, my father Granville Charles was an ardent Cardiff supporter during the 1950's and 60's, and had great pleasure watching both the Charles brothers whenever he could. My Dad always told me that John was the greatest example to youngsters of the day, with his good manners and sportsmanship. I always hoped that we would meet one day, but I left home in 1956 to join the RAF and spent the next 30 years travelling the world, so never did get he chance to meet John who, I was told, was a distant cousin.
Mon Feb 23 14:40:58 2004

Ron Jacques from London & USA
I'm an Englishman - born in London. Moved to the USA in 1960 and have lived in the Chicago area ever since but have been back to England each year since, 2 or 3 times a year. Still and Arsenal supporter. I'm 66 years old now but will never forget the great John Charles.. we always worried when he came to Highbury but... what a player to watch... I had never before and never since seen such a wonderful all round football player...

My twin brother and I, when were around 16 years old used to meet the First division teams at Kings Cross station or Paddington etc.. and quite often wait outside the Great Northern Hotel to get autographs of the players. Anyway.. after Arsenal had beaten Leeds on one occassion we chased the Leeds team onto the departing train and found John Charles standing near the window... and as the train was moving out he signed our autograph books and made sure we got off the train safely... such a terrific man and as gentle as his reputation...

I always wished that he could have played for Arsenal as did his brother Mel. Who could ever forget JOHN CHARLES. My brother John (he lives in New York) and I are both saddened by his passing.
Mon Feb 23 12:01:38 2004

Lester Stenner
I watched John Charles play at Lincoln City ground back in the 1950s, the winger passed the ball across to about a few feet outside the penalty area, John Charles hit the ball so hard it took the goalkeeper into the net, still holding the ball.

He was the best header of the ball I had ever seen, and was good with both feet. He was a gentleman in all senses of the word, never booked, or sent off in the whole of his career. One thing he would never do is CHEAT like so many modern players, trying to gain a penalty or get another player sent off.

He never had a bad word to say about anyone, and all opponents new big John would always play fair. A truly great man who never earned the money he should have done.
A sad loss to the football world.
Mon Feb 23 11:58:50 2004

Jack Hamilton
I was fortunate to see John Charles play for Wales (against Nr. Ireland) and for Great Britian versus Europe in Belfast. He was without doubt the greatest footballer to come out of Wales (including Rugby Union greats) and would be an automatic choice for the best GB team of all time. There is no player in the game today the equal of John Charles. I was so sad to hear of his death at the young age of 72. Sincere Condolences
Mon Feb 23 11:57:36 2004

Gill from Shrewsbury
I was a huge fan of John Charles when he was player / manager at Hereford. I worked for the then chairman of the club and so saw a lot of John, he was a real gentleman; always polite, never swore in front of women, and when he once did he didnt realise I was in a room close to where he was he was mortified that he thought iI had heard him, which I hadn't, he could not apologise enough.

He was a tremendous player and we saw every match that he played in the whole time he was at Hereford. Unfortunately I have to disagree with the written fact that he had never been booked, I am afraid he was in a match against Macclesfield.
There was absolutely no reason for it and the crowd were furious and booed the ref incessantly. We all said then that the ref would say in later years that he was the only ref to book him and now that John is dead no doubt he will come out of the woodwork. It doesn't really matter, he was always a brilliant player and that's what people will remember, I know the ref will he had to have a police escort out of the ground!!!!
Mon Feb 23 11:56:38 2004

Gary Wynne
I was in Italy on holiday about 1982, I went in to a jewellers to buy a small bit of silver jewellery in the window. The owner was talking to the local policeman (young). When I offered my plastic card to pay for the silver piece he said "its lira or nothing !"
He asked me "where are you from?" and I said WALES! He hugged me and said I know John Charles! He then proceeded to tell the policeman how important John Charles was in his life and then he said to me "You are from Wales like John Charles so a cheque (un-guaranteed!) is good enough for me."

I still have my piece of silver and I thank you John for all the wonderful football memories that live on, you will be long remembered, r.i.p.

Mon Feb 23 11:54:51 2004