Jack Charlton: The Autobiography

by Jack Charlton

'I know who you you're the Boss.' The words of His Holiness Pope John Paul II, on meeting Jack Charlton and his Republic of Ireland team before the 1990 World Cup Finals. Indeed Jack Charlton was the Boss - a man whose strength of character drove him to achievements beyond the scope of his own natural talents or those of the teams who played under him. His book tells of his childhood in a Northumberland mining village and how he escaped a life down the mine by joining Leeds United, where he played for twenty years. As a footballer, he touched the pinnacle in England's legendary 1966 World Cup winning team. As a manager, he dragged the Republic of Ireland from the backwaters of international football to compete with the world's best. As a man, he was noted for his forthright personality - one whose views were as honest as they were respected. This is his story, the life of a man who specialised in the improbable, told in his own words.

Genres: Football, Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography, Sports, Soccer

432 pages, Paperback

First published October 17, 1996

Reviews

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading biographies and this one has been on my to read list for awhile, shame that I was drawn to read it following his recent death. Jack Charlton was a World Cup Winner, a successful Manager but more than that he was a real character. I didn’t read a lot that I hadn’t already read about or remember over the years but it was still enjoyable to reminisce. Jack was a character and reading about him brought a smile to my face.

The book tells of his childhood in a Northumberland mining village and how he escaped a life down the mine by joining Leeds United, where he played for twenty years. As a footballer, he touched the pinnacle in England’s legendary 1966 World Cup winning team. As a manager, he dragged the Republic of Ireland from the backwaters of international football to compete with the world’s best. As a man, he was noted for his forthright personality and was a well liked man.

This is an enjoyable reads celebrating the life of one of England’s heroes.

[Simon Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always had this impression of Jack as simple and no-nonsense and that’s exactly what the book is. Not simple in a derogatory way but meaning straightforward and easy. Jack covers childhood and early life with minimum of fuss - of course you have to make reference to growing up with Robert/Bobby. He doesn’t waste time (with the greatest respect) over-egging his own family which readers are likely not there for.
The World Cup of 1966 is covered well, and the meatiest sections are the interesting latter years as manager of Ireland.
I really enjoyed the book and believe that everything Jack puts is his perspective (although not necessarily how I recall) including his infamous rant on the touch line at USA ‘94 where now, Jack cannot understand anything he did wrong. Nevertheless, I think this is honest, but it’s Jack’s honesty.

[Ciarán · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite possibly one of the best football books that I have ever read. The book encapsulates very well both Charlton's tone and mindset. Reading this book, is like sitting in the presence of this legend of English and Irish football. You feel both his charm and honesty radiating from the pages, it is so beautifully written and a fine tribute to an honorary Irishman.

[Michael O'Keane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read
Jack (RIP) was a hero to all of us here in Ireland and gave us 10 years like we will never experience again, he lifted the nation when we really needed a boost. It is a shame that when the 'party' ended he was not treated the way he should have been
Shame that his relationship with Bobby was not better but clearly after Munich Bobby was a different man
Jack had a tough upbringing yet platyed for a wonderful Leeds team and great manager Don Revie. Although a World Cup winner he never let it go to his head and loved his down time particularly fishing in the west of Ireland
Great read for all Irish soccer fans and fans of the game for a wonderful unique football man

[Ian Curragh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Jack Charlton speaks openly and honesty about his football career. He speaks of his playing career at Leeds and his international career with England when he was part of the team that won the world cup in 1966. He speaks of his career as a manager of Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle and most famously Republic of Ireland. A no holds barred book and a must read for any football fan.

[john ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very special gentleman

Jack Charlton is one of the true football gentlemen, never the player his brother was, Jack’s honesty and knowledge of the game made him an outstanding manager as this book describes.

Much loved by all Sheffield Wednesday fans, a true legend.

The book describes Jack’s football journey in his own words, written I’m sure with his cheeky grin.

[nigel aitken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Charlton autobiography

This autobiography of Jack Charlton is very good,interesting and gets to the heart of what it is like to be the most famous footballing brothers in the country.It is clear language and well written and also contributes to the history and time when these brothers were at the top of their game.

[Matt Keith Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting read

I knew little about Jack before reading this but,I enjoyed thoroughly reading this leading about the man and what made him,really enjoyed this.

[Ronald Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Charltons autobiography shows a humorous and detailed view on the wonderful career that he had. It is truly difficult to put into words how incredible this book was. It is a very interesting book and is definitely one of the better ones out of the other 1966 World Cup winners' books. Jack seems a genuine bloke in this book and comes across exactly the way I thought he would due to not only his manner and speech but also by his straight to the point, no nonsense sometimes controversial attitudes to certain events. I began to read this just before his brother Bobby had died, and it was quite sad to read about how their relationship declined over the years. Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot because of the humour, information, and the incredible journey that Jack went on during his life. Rest in peace, Bobby and Jack Charlton.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A near perfect autobiography for me. Really warmed to Jack Charlton. The book is real no nonsense, just as I understand he was. Nothing ever felt dragged on, he stuck to the main talking points. His love for Ireland especially was clear and as a 90s kid I didn’t realise just what an incredible job he did with Ireland. The last chapter was a surprising and sad note to end on and interesting way to end the book. (No spoilers ;) )

[Robert Hinder]

Refreshing

A great read about someone who knew his limitations as a footballer who went on to have a magnificent career in Football as a player and manager and his longevity in the game speaks volumes

[Ben Twoonezero · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book but would have been better with a co writer who painted a more vivid picture of events, Hunter Davies would have improved it.

[Stephen Allis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I said I would read it. And I did.

It's like an audio book really because you can hear Big Jack reading every word.

[AJW · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prompted to read this book the day after Jack Charlton died aged 85. Bought it a few months earlier for a quid at a charity stall.

As a Leeds United fan, I have a special respect for Jack Charlton due to him being a loyal one club player with a record 762 competitive appearances for Leeds. Reading about his time at Leeds was interesting.

But reading about all the other things he did with his life was just as interesting. His brief spell as a miner. Winning the World Cup for England in 1966. His managerial successes at Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and, of course, Republic of Ireland.

He speaks his mind, so you get to know his views on a wide range of subjects and people.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. I just finished this a few weeks before Jack died. Bless you Jack. You were true to your roots unlike your more famous brother. RIP big man.

[Gary K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched and well written