New book brings story of Welsh football legend John Charles to younger generation
Mark Mansfield
The remarkable life of one of Wales’ greatest footballers is being brought to a younger generation in a new book aimed at teenage readers.
Gentle Giant: The Incredible Life of John Charles, by Robert ap Glyn, tells the story of the Swansea-born star who became a hero for Wales, Leeds United and Italian giants Juventus.
Written in the style of a novel and aimed at readers aged 11 to 16, the book uses football as the backdrop to explore themes including kindness, friendship, family, humility and respect.
Charles rose from a childhood in a Welsh mining community to become one of the most celebrated footballers of his generation.
After beginning his career with Swansea as a youngster, he joined Leeds United, where he helped the club win promotion to the First Division.
His performances eventually took him to Juventus, where he became a hugely popular figure and earned the nicknames Il Re – The King – and Il Gigante Buono – The Gentle Giant.
He also represented Wales and was part of the team which reached the quarter-finals of the 1958 World Cup.
Author Robert ap Glyn said his interest in Charles began with stories told by his grandfather, Ben Thomas, who represented Wales and Bolton Wanderers during the 1930s.
He said: “I was inspired to write this story because of my lifelong admiration for John Charles.
“My grandfather shared many qualities with John Charles – in both appearance and character – and those who knew him believed that, had fate been kinder, he might one day have played alongside his idol. I’ve dedicated Gentle Giant to Ben, my grandfather.”
Mr ap Glyn spent three years researching Charles’ life and speaking to people about the footballer.
He said: “Again and again, the same stories emerged. Not just stories about goals and trophies – but stories about the way he treated people.
“Everyone remembered his humility, his generosity. Everyone remembered how he made them feel. He wasn’t simply admired as a footballer – he was embraced as a person.”
The book features illustrations by Mike Miles-Boardman, who has previously worked with organisations and clubs including FIFA, UEFA, Wrexham AFC and Real Madrid.
Mr ap Glyn said: “Although written and illustrated to inspire teenagers, I hope it will also inspire adults to become better human beings.”
”Incomparable’
Charles, who died in 2004, was once described by former England manager Sir Bobby Robson as “incomparable”.
Mr ap Glyn added: “Despite being known as Il Re in Italy and everything he achieved in Wales and Yorkshire, those who knew him all describe exactly the same man – a modest, gentle Welshman who never forgot where he came from.”
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