Do you remember international John Charles?

One of our readers is trying to get information on a match played at the Cricket Park, Ballymoney which featured Welsh international John Charles.
John Charles. INBM44-14SJohn Charles. INBM44-14S
John Charles. INBM44-14S

Charles, who played for Leeds United, Juventus, Roma and Cardiff City is considered by many to have been the greatest all-round footballer ever to come from Britain.

It wasn’t just that he was comfortable playing either centre-half or centre-forward. He was world class in both positions.

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He could also play full-back or midfield, if required, and such was his versatility that he managed to break the Leeds United club scoring record with 42 goals in a season at a time when he was appearing at centre-half in internationals for Wales.

Charles was the first Briton to make the grade in Italian football and, forty years on, is probably the most successful export from League football to Serie A where his name is still revered.

Charles adapted quickly to the pace and skill of the Italian League and made a more substantial and sustained impact than many of those who followed him, including Jimmy Greaves, Denis Law and Ian Rush. hat is why he is a God to Juventus fans, the one they Christened “Il Buon Gigante” - the Gentle Giant.

If you have any information on this game and a photograph which appeared in the local media, please get in touch with us by emailing: [email protected]