As the one-year mark of Sir Bobby Charlton’s passing has come and gone, former teammates and others who had the privilege of sharing the pitch with the Manchester United legend are taking a moment to reflect on his unparalleled achievements and the lasting impact he had on the sport.
For Brian Kidd, who won the European Cup with Charlton in 1968, it’s a bittersweet reminder of the wonderful memories they shared. “For what he’s done for Manchester United, worldwide, everybody knew Bobby’s name,” he reminisced. “He was a special person, and as a young player, it was a great upbringing. The demands and expectations were high, and I was pushed to be the best I could be. On one hand, you’d get a rollicking, the next hand you’d get a compliment – the compliments were a bit harder to come across! – but it was a fantastic upbringing for me.”
Kidd, who played alongside Charlton in the proud Academy, cherished the memories of their time together, including a memorable trip to America as 17-year-olds. “We were lucky to have Denis Law and George Best on board, all three Ballon d’Or winners – how lucky are you to be in a team like that?” he laughed. Their shared experiences have left an indelible mark on Kidd’s life, and he continues to look back on those days with warmth and gratitude.
Stepney, another former teammate, echoed Kidd’s sentiments, praising Charlton’s work ethic and dedication to the game. As the club’s faithful media channels publish article after article honoring the fallen hero, it’s clear that their legacies will never be forgotten.
