Saturday, February 21, 2004
R.I.P. Gigante Buono
John Charles, one of Wales' greatest ever footballers, has died. Although John was from Cwmdu in Swansea (part of the ward Ii represent on Swansea Council in fact) he never played for the Town's team. He started off his career at Leeds before moving to Juventus. He also had spells with Roma and Cardiff and played in the last Wales team to qualify for the World Cup, starring in the 1958 Finals. I was part of a campaign to have him knighted for his services to football back in December 2000 and although he was subsequently given a CBE in 2001 and the Freedom of the City of Swansea in 2002, there was always a feeling that his accomplishments had never been properly recognised through the honours system. I am pleased that Swansea Lord Mayor and Council Leader, Lawrence Bailey, has now said that the city council will look at creating a permanent memorial to John Charles' memory, possibly at the White Rock football and rugby stadium which is currently under construction.
