IHAVE just heard the news of the death of John Charles, a legendary footballer in both England and Wales. Having discovered Hereford United were playing Woking last Saturday, I attended the match with three friends from this side of the border, to show our respect to this most inspiring man.

When John Charles first came to Hereford as player-manager, hordes of us invaded Edgar Street to watch our fellow countryman play football. It quickly became apparent that we were not alone, for the crowd almost trebled for his first game, and we found ourselves among a massive crowd of Herefordians, Welsh, and people from all neighbouring counties.

Many of us continued to travel just to see John Charles play, and stayed faithful to our adopted club when Colin Addison and league status followed. I can recall reading that Addison made great emphasis that he was able to proceed further due to the good work of John Charles in providing a platform for advancement.

Apart from being the best player Wales every produced, the first footballer to move to Italy, the most versatile player of his generation (he could play centre forward or centre half), he was the most generous of men.

John Charles possessed a physique that would have suited a number 8 rugby player, but was quite unassuming and a true gentleman hence his apt title of 'The Gentle Giant'.

The younger generation may wonder about the man we are talking about, but I have no doubt that the name of John Charles will be found in the annals of football history with the likes of Moore, Pele, and Beckham.

DAVID WATKINS,

Rosegarth, Brecon Road, Abergavenny.