Sunderland fan & ex-London Branch member, Mark Metcalfe, recently wrote a book all about Charlie, and the Branch held a very successful social at The Offside Bar in Islington on 31st October 2008.

 

The great man was there to sign copies of the book and a great time was had by all.

 

If anyone has any photos of the occasion, we'd be glad to publish them here on weardownsouth.com.

 

 

Book Review by Dick Traynor

 

July 2007 at the Turner's Cross ground Cork, Sunderland are playing Cork City on their pre-season Irish tour, both the local and away fans create a wall of sound to greet onto the pitch a player who had long since hung up his boots. It wasn't Irish and Mackem legend Niall Quinn, or even local born great Roy Keane but Cork born and Sunderland's player of the century Charlie Hurley. Charlie, known as the "King" to Sunderland fans spent the whole of half time and beyond walking round the whole pitch, waving and seeming to shake hands with every single fan, and it was a privilege to be there. As always, the chant "Who's the Greatest centre half the world as ever seen?" echoed round the ground, with its inevitable answer from the Wearside faithful "Charlie Hurley is his name." 

 

Branch members may well know Mark Metcalf, a former member now living in Yorkshire, who rarely misses a Sunderland  match, and Mark has written an excellent official biography of Charlie's life. Mark spent many hours talking with Charlie and his family; doing extensive research from

newspapers of the day; and talking to many players and fans of Charlie's era, including late Branch member Dave Hillam, now sadly missed. Mark also puts the times and events into a historical and social context. Football was a lot different then, the players were much closer to the fans, travel to games on the same transport, and not transfer clubs as often as they do now. Football was also a much harder game from the old leather casey balls, which when sodden was like heading a cannon ball, to much harder tackles which would get you sent off today, or if you were on the receiving end, worse injuries. 

 

The book takes us from Charlie's birth in Cork in 1936 to his tough childhood in London's east end where he survived the blitz. It takes us from his early days as a promising young school footballer to signing professionally for Millwall in 1953. He made his debut as a 17 year old in 1954, and played over 100 games, in the process becoming a Millwall legend, quite a feat in front of their partizan crowds. Charlie, who would grow into a big and brawn centre- back, very able both in the tackle and in the air, was also quick-footed and skilful, who could play the ball out of defence creating attacks; when many defenders of his day would just hump it up the park. At Millwall, Charlie also made his debut for the Republic of Ireland, and a career that would see 40 caps and Charlie pit himself against some of the best players in the world to often great reviews. 

 

In 1957, Alan Brown was able to sign a somewhat reluctant Charlie to sign for Sunderland, and things didn't start well-losing his first two games 7-0 and 6-0. Sunderland were experiencing turbulent times, having just been relegated for the first time and being massively fined for giving players overpayments. Alan Brown however slowly built a promising youthful team with Charlie as the King-pin and captain. Charlie's exploits would make him legendary amongst Sunderland fans - he is credited with being the first centre half to come up for corners, creating havoc in the goal mouth and either scoring or making goals. If Charlie felt tired, and stayed on the halfway line for corners, the Roker faithful would make him come up with cries of "Charlie, Charlie....", giving him no choice but to oblige. Charlie inspired Sunderland in great cup ties against both Manchester United and Tottenham, and led Sunderland to promotion and first division football. Mark, sets out to answer the question was Charlie really the Greatest centre half?, answering with report after report of great performances by Charlie against some of the world's greatest sides of the day playing for Ireland  and Sunderland.  

 

Charlie's Sunderland career ended in 1967, by which he had become so legendary as to be later voted by Roker fans as "Player of the century". Charlie's is quite modest about this, saying it's for others to judge, but those supporters lucky enough to attend any socials or more recent book -signings, can't help but be impressed by the love and warmth he has for Sunderland and especially the fans.  

 

The book will undoubtly bring back many great memories for those who saw Charlie play, but for fans like myself, bought up on tales of a legend, it also makes a cracking read, so make sure it makes it onto your shopping list! 

 

The book is now priced at £14.00 from http://www.sportsbooks.ltd.uk/football.html