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A TRIBUTE TO CHARLIE THOMAS . The death of Charlie Thomas on Saturday December 22nd aged 93 years in Hollygarth Care Home at Kibblesworth Gateshead , marked the passing of a greatly respected name in local football and of a later eminent career with the Football Association . He was a wonderful servant to our national game , it was indeed his life , to those who knew him , admired and respected him , he was widely recognised as the North East's leading 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 gentlemen . By any standards , his was a quite remarkable career in both management and administration , and his achievements will long survive his passing . His memory will remain for all who love football in the local fraternity and his work with gratitude and affection . He was born in Benwell , Newcastle in 1908 , and at an early age . moved to Ouston . His first soccer team was Birtley St. Joseph's school X1 , where he played right half . After school days he played for Ouston Juniors FC and later for Ouston United FC until WW11 . As a youth of 16 years of age came his first administrative appointment with his local side , where he achieved much success . In those days he earned his living selling insurance , after some eight years in the local coal mine , and soldhis private garden produce for club funds . He also became the secretary of Chester le - Street Junior League . Numerous indeed were the local players he transferred to league clubs , and he gained a commendable reputation for " spotting " , as his recommendations often guaranteed a professional career . Sunderland AFC got more than their fair share of Charlie's " discoveries " , best known being captain Fred Hall during the late 1940's , via Blackburn Rovers . His Father took him to watch Newcastle United as a boy , from which visits came his support for the club , indeed as a coincidence Bobby Robson as a 15 year oldthen playing for a local junior club was known to Charlie , from which developed a life long friendship . Charlie was a scout for Birmingham City at that time , and tried to persuade him to sign for them , but he chose Fulham instead . His knowledge of the game was indeed vast , and his abiding and consuming interest and deep passion and involvement in a very long , memorable and most eventful life and career , which spanned some seven decades , began in inauspicous surroundings and travelled to the very pinnacle with the Football Association at national level . His contribution to the beautiful game ' was massive , at local , regional and national involvement.ague It is with all these sentiments in mind that this tribute is most respectfully 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 . During World War 11 he served with the Royal Air Force in India , where he attained the rank of Squadron Leader . He managed the command football team , composed mostly of league players , and was also President of the joint committee of the three services . |
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