A coal miner’s son, Jack Charlton, manager of the Republic of Ireland recalls his life before football.

With 629 appearances for Leeds United, 35 caps for England, and a World Cup winner, Jack Charlton is now manager of the Republic of Ireland football team.

Would you welcome please Mr Jack Charlton.

Jack Charlton can also add chart topping singer to his list of accolades. Another guest on the show is musician, songwriter and producer Phil Coulter who recalls when in 1970, he made a number one single ‘Back Home’ for the England World Cup squad and Jack Charlton was one of fifteen in the choir.

Just returned from Dubai where he saw a game between Everton and Rangers. He has recently been awarded the trophy for Irish Life Manager of the Year.

Growing up the son of a miner, Jack Charlton recalls life before football when he worked as a ticket boy in the mines. He then spent 16 weeks training down the mines and resigned on the final day. He was offered a chance to go to Leeds United as a ground staff boy and took it. Earning £5 a week, he paid £2.50 for his board and sent £1 home. At 17, Jack signed full-time to Leeds United earning £18 a week earning more than his miner father.

Being from a mining village, I was very sympathetic with the miners.

Jack Charlton praises the efforts of Arthur Scargill in fighting for the rights of miners.

This episode of The Late Late Show was broadcast on 11 December 1987. The presenter is Gay Byrne.