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TEARERSERIEREN PURE ogud toiltons bas 002,0 $ lo ponebriste buong bro001 s ovairios of soll es dulo ofT me2 mod - ebloid ?, vd stroy to taly quo A od 101 002,01 ori caw sing szihoqxo defoganent bas CHARLIE THOMAS , 1908 - 2001 . lood enoilelen THE CAREER OF A TRUE FOOTBALLING LEGEND . A TRIBUTE BY THE EDITOR , BOB WRAY . Charlie Thomas was a greatly respected name in local football , who went on to an eminent career with the Football Association . This tribute is dedicated to the memory of a quiet , thoughtful gentleman of outstanding talent and ability as a shrewd , astute and resourceful club manager and skilled administrator . He was truly a wonderful servant to our national game , which was indeed his life . Charlie was widely recognised as the north east's senior citizen of the game . His name was a household word in local football circles , and for the game he loved , his life long enthusiasm was undiminished and wholehearted . He was indeed a legend in his own lifetime , and one of nature's duto gentlemen . By any standards his was a quite remarkable career in both management and administration , and his achievements will not be forgotten by all who knew him . His memory will remain for all who love football in the local fraternity and his work with eno gratitude and affection . bross om 8003 He was born in Benwell , Newcastle in 1908 , and at an early age moved to Ouston . His first team was Birtley St.Joseph's School X1 , where he played right half . After school days he played for Ouston Juniors and later for Ouston United . As a youth of 16 years of aw age came his first administrative appointment with his local side , where he achieved much success . In those days he earned his living selling insurance , following eight years in the local coal mine , he also sold his garden produce for club funds . He gained a commendable reputation for talent spotting , and his recommendations often guaranteed a professional career . Sunderland AFC got more than their fair share of Charlie's discoveries , the best known being Fred Hall during the late 1940's , via Blackburn Rovers . His father took him to watch Newcastle United as a boy , which was the start of his support for the club . Sir Bobby Robson as a then 15 year old , was known to Charlie To and and they developed a life long friendship . Charlie was then a scout for Birmingham City , and tried to persuade him to sign for them , but Bobby chose Fulham instead . A career event ba that spanned seven decades took Charlie from inconspicuous surroundings to national level . of vel viv INE br 1201 I During the Second World War he served with the RAF in India , where he attained the rank of Squadron Leader . He was appointed manager of the RAF India Command football team , which was composed mostly of league players , and was also President of the joint committee of the three services , Army , Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.imbs Ideititui It is with South Shields Association Football Club that he is best locally remembered , do som which he managed in three appointments , between 1947-51 , 1954 - 63 and 1970 -74 , the latter as assistant manager , then manager and lastly as general manager . The late 1950's and early 1960's was a halcyon period in the club's fortunes , and debatably the most memorable game in the club's postwar career was the magnificent 5 : FA Cup first round replay victory against Fourth Division Crewe Alexandra on Wednesday afternoon of November 19th , 1958 in front of a crowd of 12,000 . 11 |
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