The production company behind Bobby Robson: More Than A Manager has started work on a documentary about another Geordie football legend, Jack Charlton.
Noah Media Group, the London-based team which also produced Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans, is working with the 84-year-old’s family and friends on the documentary.
The film, which is being directed by Gabriel Clarke and Pete Thomas, will explore the life of Charlton, who is brother to Sir Bobby Charlton and a fellow member of England’s 1966 World Cup winning side.
It will also include rarely seen archive footage and explore his time as manager of the Republic of Ireland team during the 1990 World Cup and over 20 years as a player with Leeds United.
John McKenna and Torquil Jones will produce, with Noah Media’s distribution arm, NoahX, set to release it next year. Former Republic of Ireland captain Andy Townsend has been drafted in as an executive producer.
Jack Charlton’s son, John Charlton, said: “We are delighted to be working with Noah Media Group on what will be the definitive film on my father’s life. It will be fascinating to see how the film links his life as a husband, father and brother to his incredible achievements in football, as both a player and a manager.”
Co-director Gabriel Clarke added: “I remember Jack Charlton being as surprised as anyone when he got the Ireland manager’s job in 1986. What followed changed lives, altered careers and transformed a nation and it is a privilege to team up with the Charlton family and so many of those who made it possible to get to the heart of this funny, emotional and inspiring story.”
