Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton

The Bolton Wanderers boss described Charlton as one of English football’s “great names” and said he had been an influence on his own upbringing in the game.

“Growing up with ambitions of being a football player I saw him as one of the great names, a World Cup winner in 1966,” he said. “As a kid I remember the Bobby Charlton Soccer Schools, I used to watch the videos and try to attend them when I could.

“He was a huge figure in English football and it is a very sad loss for everybody.”

The England football team at Burnden Park, Bolton, where they are to play a practice match against Bolton Wanderers. Standing are, left to right: Jimmy Armfield (Blackpool); Slater (Wolverhampton Wanderers); Flowers (Wolverhampton Wanderers); Springett (Sheffield Wednesday), goalkeeper; Parry (Bolton); and Wilson, Huddersfield Town full-back who is the only new cap in the side. Front row, left to right: Connelly (Burnley); Broadbent (Wolverhampton Wanderers); Clayton (Blackburn Rovers), captain; Baker (Hibernian); and Bobby Charlton (Manchester United).. (Image: NQNW)

Charlton played 758 times for United and scored 249 goals – both of which were longstanding records for the club.

He was also a record holder at international level for England, having won 106 caps and scored 49 goals.

His England debut came just a couple of months after the Munich Air Disaster in February 1958, which had claimed the lives of many of his team-mates and friends.

Charlton prepared for the game with a friendly against Bolton Wanderers at Burnden Park, turning out against Scotland a few days later.

The following month he also played against Bolton in the FA Cup final, where two goals from Nat Lofthouse helped the Whites lift the trophy for a fourth time.

Tommy Banks slides in to make a challenge on Manchester United's Bobby Charlton during the 1958 FA Cup final. (Image: NQNW)

World football mourned his passing, which was announced on Saturday afternoon, with tributes pouring in from those who had known him.

Ex-United star Gary Neville said: “He used to come into the changing room after a match – win, lose or draw. Something when I was a player at the club you maybe would take for granted – this legend would be walking around your changing room saying 'well done' or offering his commiserations. He was the golden thread through from Sir Matt Busby to Sir Alex Ferguson, two golden eras in Man Utd's history and he was the constant through both of them.”

Gary Lineker tweeted: Deeply saddened to hear that Sir Bobby Charlton has died. A truly wonderful footballer and genuinely lovely man. A World Cup winner, Manchester United great and, for me, England’s greatest ever player. He may no longer be with us but he’ll have footballing immortality. RIP Sir Bobby.”

Sir Geoff Hurst, who is now the only surviving member of the victorious 1966 World Cup team, added: Very sad news today. One of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away.

“We will never forget him and nor will all of football.

“A great colleague and friend, he will be sorely missed by all of the country, beyond sport alone. Condolences to his family and friends, from Geoff and Judith.”

Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex Ferguson, with Gordon Taylor in the background, at Nat Lofthouse's funeral (Image: NQNW)

World Cup winner Bobby Charlton officially opened the Sharples Centre in April 1985. The Manchester United and England star is pictured with the Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Barbara Hurst; Harry Hibbert, director of environmental services; Councillor Bill Robinson, Chairman of the environmental services committee and Harold Heywood, assistant director of environmental service (Image: NQNW)