Tommy Charlton: My precious memories of brothers Bobby and Jack a year after Sir Bobby's death

The last surviving Charlton brother has shared his precious memories of the footballing family, a year on from the death of Sir Bobby.

Tommy Charlton, the last surviving brother of football legends Sir Bobby and Jack Charlton, has shared his fond memories of the family a year on from Bobby's death.

The Charlton brothers were all born and raised in Ashington, Northumberland, by their parents Cissie and Bob. Tommy, 78, said their childhood was "full of fun".

He told the Mirror: "We had a great childhood. We were always playing out on the streets, kicking a ball around or playing cricket. We were always getting into mischief, but we had a lot of fun."

Tommy went on to play walking football for England, while Bobby and Jack both had successful careers in professional football. Bobby played for Manchester United and won the World Cup with England in 1966, while Jack played for Leeds United and managed the Republic of Ireland.

Tommy said people still ask him about his famous brothers, adding: "It's remarkable really. It's 51 years since they stopped playing. But there are so many memories and they are precious."

Bobby died aged 86 last October after battling dementia, and Tommy still makes sure he looks smart for him.

He said: "I was getting ready the other night to go out and I was putting my tie on. And Bob had a habit, whenever we met, he would always straighten my tie, so I was remembering him. It was my big brother looking after me. To me this famous man was simply my brother, and I am not sure if people appreciate that."

All three of Tommy's brothers have now died after suffering dementia. Jack died in 2020 aged 85, and Gordon, a merchant seaman, died last year aged 79.

Tommy recently represented Sir Bobby at Salford Quays where a mosaic unveiled by him in 2001 has been restored.

He said: "I said he would have been delighted to see the kids involved, and how much he loved Manchester, and loved the people, and how much the people of Manchester loved him. It was a privilege to do that."

Tommy added that Bobby was "the best player I ever saw", and said he used to watch him play for Man Utd and ask him afterwards 'how did you do that?'"

He said Bobby and Jack used their fame "for good" with Bobby setting up soccer schools for children, while Jack proudly acted as deputy Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland in 1997.

Sir Bobby left an estate valued at £631,286 and his will, drawn up in 2011, directs that it should go to wife Lady Norma.

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