Jack Charlton became manager of Ireland by mistake. He would become the greatest manager in the country’s history. He took them to their first major tournament and their first World Cup.
He transformed the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) from a body teetering on the brink of extinction to one that was hugely profitable. And yet there was little support for him initially in Ireland and when he got the call to confirm the position, Jack had, at least by legend, forgotten being in the running. His appointment was a fiasco.
The FAI spoke to former international John Giles.