Will George Poet
will-george-poet.co.uk
John Charles: The Gentle Giant
An era comes to an end!
A gentle giant has fallen.
The true sportsman,
A player and a gentleman.
Football; Soccer, a British game,
the dream of every boy
to play and emulate a hero.
John Charles!
Surely the world has lost a great man.
On the field he epitomized the best.
The chosen protégé taken to Leeds.
Wales' and Swansea' loss.
Phenomenal was the record, as was the man.
Twenty six goals in his first season.
Legendary is the name, moreso the person.
One whom any professional or any boy,
could look up to, and see to what they can aspire.
John, a respected superstar;
Revered in Leeds, Turin and in Wales.
Records were set and broken.
Forty two goals for Leeds.
One hundred and ninety three goals in one hundred and fifty five games.
Five seasons in Juventes;
Contributed to three title and two cup matches.
The diamond in the crown.
To some he was the only King!
Michael Parkinson, renowned, comments:
'Indisputably the best man who could play in two positions."
The number nine shirt.
A commanding Centre, back or forward.
Fantastic! He was; but in reality.
Beyond many today who were not worthy to lace his boots.
He led men by his example.
For Wales, 38 caps; and in the 1958 World Cup,
he brought to his country a display of his mettle.
Even under adversity he played true to self.
Recognized by many he was modest,
down to earth and sentimental.
One who said, " I am lucky and grateful for 50 years of fame."
Two brothers shared a common dream.
Mel and John equally Welsh.
Wales can be proud of its sons.
BBC Wales recorded in 2001 a Life Achievement Award,
and the Crown awarded a CBE;
Swansea gave a greater recognition.
There is no standard that can be set higher!
Contemporaries Terry Yorath, Peter Lorimer and Bobby Charlton
acknowledged this man well.
Umberto Agnelli would carry another to Torino on his shoulders
If he could find such a man in today's world;
But the world has failed to find him one who would qualify.
Cardiff City, Hereford and Merthyr Tydfil were graced
by this man's presence.
His footsteps remain entrenched
and Penydarren Park may carry special memories.
For a man who said, "When you knock a few in, it's wonderful!"
It is a simple appreciation of his skill.
For those who shared with him, it was a worthy event.
March 1st. 2004, St. David's Day, remembered.
Elland Road, the Leeds ground, paid their last respects.
John Toshack honoured the man.
'He was the greatest player that has ever been.'
In 1962 the Italian Player of the Year.
The man who played football not foul.
A man who would not reduce his standards.
William John Charles, CBE
1931 to
Well spent, and ten and two.
Yes! ' He belongs in Wales.'
A tip of the hat to Glenda,
in the return of another lost treasure
to a place where we hope
'John' will be at rest.
Those in sport, and soccer in particular
would do well to emulate John Charles.
perhaps a few, sadly only a few,
would qualify to bear his mentorship.
And perhaps the Gold Crown granted in Memorial
would be a fortuitous commemorative
to set a standard higher than that which no longer exists.
Truly it would need to be earned.
Will George © Feb. 23,-Mar. 1. 2004