Sir Bobby Charlton 'an inspiration' to North East youngsters

The World Cup winner was one of a host of footballing superstars to come from the Northumberland pit village, alongside his late brother Jack and his second cousin, Newcastle United hero “Wor” Jackie Milburn.

Bobby was born in Ashington in 1937 and turned out for East Northumberland Schools in his youth before moving to the red half of Manchester in 1953.

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Although he did not have as close a connection with the town as his brother – whose statue stands in Hirst Park – speaking after his death on Saturday, Ashington councillors have described him as an “inspiration” to the town’s young people.

Coun Caroline Ball, who represents the Ashington Central ward, said: “For me, he was a hero. He may have made his life in Manchester, but to go from the Hirst and go on to be top scorer for Manchester United and England for so many years – he will always be a footballing icon.

Sir Bobby Charlton (Image: PA Photos/PA Wire)

“For us in Ashington to have so many people from such a small mining village, to produce so many people who played at the highest level, is just amazing. It should serve as an inspiration for all the young people playing football in the town – they can go on and do anything.

“It shows it doesn’t matter where you come from – if you can do a shift down the pit at one o’clock and then go and play football, it goes to show that you can come from grassroots football in a muddy field in Ashington all the way to the world stage. It’s remarkable.

“The town is very proud of Bobby. He came from good stock.”

Coun Brian Gallacher, who represents the Haydon ward, added: “It’s devastating. He is of our local heroes.

“The Charlton's and the Millburn's and all the sporting heroes from Ashington have risen to achieve great levels. Bobby was a true, local grassroots footballer from Ashington achieving at the highest level in football, winning the World Cup.

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“They put Ashington on the world map. Anyone around the world knows Bobby and Jack Charlton. He was a local lad and there is still a lot of good feeling towards him. It is a sad passing.”

Ashington Town Council has also issued a statement paying tribute to Sir Bobby.

It read: “Ashington Town Council wish to express our deepest gratitude and admiration for Sir Bobby Charlton, and condolences to his family following the announcement of his death. As one of Ashington’s most famous sons, Sir Bobby brought great pride and inspiration to our community through his outstanding football career. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.

“On behalf of Ashington Town Council and our community, we want to express our deepest admiration and gratitude for the incredible contributions Sir Bobby made to football. His journey from Ashington to becoming one of the greatest players of all time is inspirational. Rest in Peace Sir Bobby.”