Sadly passed away aged 86.

Was a great servant to the club.  RIP.

 

88 appearances as a Goalkeeper between 1971-1973 and 44 games as Manager in 1985.

Edited December 28, 20241 yr by TrickyTrotter

Sad news.

A real character, on & off the pitch.

RIP

Sad, his time as manager was up when he brought in George mullhall as his assistant.

RIP Charlie

I don't remember his time in goal but very well remember his time as boss. He was appointed after a golden spell as caretaker (New Year 1985) in the wake of John McGovern's departure. As seems to be the way in football a barren run then followed.

In the summer of 85 he tried to re-cast the McGovern template of young footballing sides based on home grown talent. It was an exciting few months as he brought in household names who were beyond their top flight best - David Cross and Asa Hartford. Big Sam also returned aged 30. My young and callow mind thought we were all set to walk Div 3. Third game of that season we lost 1-4 at home to Bury.

It all didn't work out in the end. We remained where Mr McGovern had left us, lower mid-table in Division 3. He'd not even been in the job 12 months when he was sacked and replaced by Phil Neal. 

Highlights of his reign were probably two wins as caretaker boss: A 3-0 home win over Derby and a 1-2 win at Bristol Rovers on a Tuesday night. That one  brought to an end an astonishing run of poor form away from home in 84/5 - we had failed to win or draw any of our first 10 or 11 league away games that season. Also worth mentioning a 4-1 home trouncing of Wolves in 85/6. 

RIP Charlie and condolences to the family.  

He ran the Bolton Schoolboys team. He was the sweariest man I'd ever met. The Bromwich Street residents used to complain but it had no affect.

A good coach who spent a fair bit of time teaching how to foul.

RIP to the rascal.

 

Edited December 28, 20241 yr by Dr. Feelgood

RIP Charlie

My dad knew him well. 
 

My grandma used to tell him off for swearing. 

RIP Charlie 

That 2-1 win at Bristol Rovers @paulhanley was what got him the permanent job after a spell as caretaker. A last minute Jeff Chandler penalty iirc.

Bit before my time as a player. Got an image of him somewhere with a cigar between his teeth. Promotion year 73? 

RIP

 

First keeper I watched. Inspired me to become a keeper. My dad simply described him as daft as a brush. Sad news. RIP

2 hours ago, Dr. Feelgood said:

He ran the Bolton Schoolboys team. He was the sweariest man I'd ever met. The Bromwich Street residents used to complain but it had no affect.

A good coach who spent a fair bit of time teaching how to foul.

RIP to the rascal.

 

Wouldn't go down well now!

 

Who has the photo of him with the cigar and the Churchill ‘V’ sign?

Sure I’ve seen it on here before.

Edited December 28, 20241 yr by Steejay

He was a big barrel chested bugger. When forwards used to go in for a high ball against Charlie they bounced off, even though they had been watching Charlie instead of the ball.

Him and Sir Nat were moving tables for a Bolton Chamber of Commerce do I was attending but wouldn't accept any help.

1 hour ago, Tonge moor green jacket said:

Wouldn't go down well now!

 

One particular session 2 women appeared on the training pitches, pinnies on & (in my head at least) wearing hair nets and told him straight that his language was appalling and unacceptable.  He was genuinely amazed. He apologised fulsomely and with great charm. Promising not to do it again.

After they left he was, genuinely confused. He didn't know, or believe, he swore so much. As they exited he asked in wtte of "Do I f.....g, swear so f.....g much ?"

"Well, yeah, a bit, really".

He then instructed 2 of us to tell him each time he swore.

That didn't last long.

He would generally oblige when us kids on the Lever end would sing ' Charlie Charlie give us a wave' during the game..... That's my abiding memory...... RIP Charlie 👋

Before my time as a player.

Only vaguely remember him having a brief spell as manager. 

RIP.

Used to do his shopping on Bolton market when he was a player. Can’t see any current day player shopping there.My mate’s uncle had a stall and Charlie gave my mate a pair of keepers gloves - he’s still got them. 
 

From memory Charlie took over in goal from Alan Boswell and Barry Siddall took over from him.

On 28/12/2024 at 17:41, Duck Egg said:

That 2-1 win at Bristol Rovers @paulhanley was what got him the permanent job after a spell as caretaker. A last minute Jeff Chandler penalty iirc.

 

Me and max boyce

 

Did he get injured back end of 72 3

If he did, I never saw him as Siddall stepped up

If Im making it up, I may have seen him

I do remember his caretaker spell and wrote a BEN letter supporting him

Not sure he won another game!

2 hours ago, Casino said:

Did he get injured back end of 72 3

If he did, I never saw him as Siddall stepped up

If Im making it up, I may have seen him

I do remember his caretaker spell and wrote a BEN letter supporting him

Not sure he won another game!

My first game end of 73 season and I only remember Siddal. Anyhow RIP Charlie. 

York and brentford

Jimmy Armfield signed him from Charlton I think. He played in all matches season 71-72 & of course was in the 72-73 championship winning side .Barry Siddall deputising at the end of that season.

Great goalkeeper & character who always reacted to the fans whether friendly or unfriendly. Sadly his managerial career was short-lived , but then again at the time (mid-eighties) the club was a sinking ship run by people who would not be out of place running a whelk stall.

RIP Charlie, thanks for the memories.