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Exhibition honours John Charles
An exhibition honouring one of Wales' greatest sporting legends opened this week. John Charles, who played for Hereford United towards the end of his career, died earlier this year.
The Gentle Giant, John Charles, and the Future of Football commemorates the life and career of the man remembered as much for his outstanding record of fair play as for his footballing talent. Throughout his 18-year career, which saw him represent Wales on 38 occasions, he was never once booked.
The exhibition, backed with £50,000 of National Assembly funding, opened in Wrexham last Monday, then tours Aberystwyth, Newport, Swansea, Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil.
Assembly Sports Minister Alun Pugh, who will carry out the official opening on October 15, said, "John Charles is a real Welsh legend. His remarkable talent combined with a natural modesty and generosity means he is still widely considered one of the greatest players football has known. This exhibition will provide a fitting testimony to a great man."
He also confirmed that the Assembly Government has contributed £5,000 towards Swansea Council's campaign for a statue of John Charles at the city's new sports stadium.
"John Charles was always extremely proud of his Swansea roots, so I am pleased to be able to help his home city honour him with a lasting memorial," said the Minister.
As yet there appears to be no news of any memorial to John Charles from Hereford United. However there are mentions of, and pictures from, his time at Edgar Street in the exhibition.