Sad to see that another big personality footballer has passed on. Regardless of nationality you have to admire what he achieved. I always remember a sequence of scorelines over a week to 10 day period, back when he was in charge of Middlesbrough. In 1974 his top of the table side came to Ninian Park and were beaten 3-2 by city. A surprising result because in the previous game we were hammered 0-5 by Sheffield Wednesday who themselves had just been hammered 0-8 by Middlesbrough as I recall! Strange game! RIP big Jack.
The most unlikely footballer. Ungainly but mightily effective. And loyal to one club. My abiding memory of him was in the ITV 1970 World Cup panel with his outrageous kipper ties, wide lapelled jackets and speaking his mind.
A very keen salmon angler was Jack so couldnt have been that bad. Had his own fishing programme for a while. Was granted free access to many salmon fisheries in ireland after he led their footy team to euro 88 and Italia 90. Once brought Ballina to a standstill as people blocked the bridge while watching him fish the ridge pool on the moy. Not blessed with the skills of his brother, but more than made up for it with a huge heart.
Big Jack changed Irish football forever and will be remembered fondly in his adopted country. The night before the world cup quarter final against Italy in 1990 he set up a bar for the players to calm their nerves and said they could have a maximum two pints of Guinness each! He really didn't take life too seriously and his players responded so well to his style of management. And of course he could source players for any reason. If your great granny ever visited Dublin or your first cousin removed ever ate a tin of Irish stew then you qualified to play for Ireland!! RIP big man.
