A moder term in football is “ Unit “ that sums up Charlie a colossus of a centre half. A true Sunderland great
Bless. RIP Mostly though, a massive thanks for some wonderfull memories from this unbelievably talented Sportsman and, most of all, Gentleman.
His time at Sunderland came a couple of years too soon for me to see him play, but the fact he was voted player of the century ahead of legends like Carter, Gurney, Mapson, Crossan, Ford, Shackleton, Montgomery, Watson and Rowell says it all for me about how great a player he was. RIP Charlie. The undisputed King of Sunderland!
We genuinely need to start thinking about stuff like this. Stadiums 27 years old and we have one stand named after a stand in Roker Park that in my opinion was and is ridiculous. There's plenty corners, stands etc that could show some respect to past greats by renaming. I'm still amazed there isn't something in there for Mr Porterfield,North stand or something.
Never saw him play just before my time but the tales are legendary. RIP big man. The greatest centre half that the world has ever seen
I agree with prehab - name a stand after him - the least the club could do (shame he couldn't see it)
It had to happen sometime but I'd hoped he'd outlive me so I didn't have a day like today ... ... I'm sure his name will be sang over and over during the next two games. A wonderful human being, rest in peace.
Never saw him play but obviously know of his status at the club, which I learned from my dad. Very sad day for the club, the fans and all his family and friends. Agree with having a stand named after him so his name lives on. RIP sir.
Before my time as a player but met him at the New Crown in Shields when Quinny was doing the rounds when he took over, proper gent.
He scored my first Sunderland goal at my first Sunderland game. As all have said , a gentleman, and so humble I remember him once saying that whilst he always was so happy to receive invitations to go to Roker/SOL , he couldn’t understand why such a fuss was being made if him . “ I’d walk a million strolls - for one of your goals my Chaarrrlllie….”