A TRIBUTE to football legend Jack Charlton has been paid by the leader of Leeds City Council.

Councillor Judith Blake said: “I am deeply saddened to hear the news that Jack has passed away. He was a legend in English football and it is an absolute privilege that he spent his entire 21-year playing career at Leeds United.

“As well as being an amazing player, Jack was a true gentleman off the pitch. We will never forget him or his impact on the sport. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, former teammates and everyone connected with Leeds United at this incredibly sad time.”

Jack Charlton, who died last week aged 85, achieved titanic status in football as a member of England’s World Cup-winning team in 1966, playing in all six matches of the tournament. As a club player he spent his entire career at Leeds United, and he went on to manage Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle United and the Irish national team.