Jack Charlton changed the lives of everybody in Ireland with the World Cup but there was uproar when he first took over

The Irish Sun

31-07-2025

FORMER Ireland international Terry Phelan has spoken of how Jack Charlton had to overcome early uproar to become Ireland's greatest manager.
'Big Jack', who won the
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Terry Phelan won 42 caps for Ireland
Credit: David Maher/SPORTSFILE
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He was part of Jack Charlton's team that played at the 1994 World Cup in the USA
Credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE
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Ireland players, from left, Ray Houghton, Andy Townsend, Terry Phelan and Steve Staunton
Credit: Ray McManus/Sportsfile
While a controversial appointment at the time due to his
English heritage
, as well as a 1-0 loss to
Under his stewardship, Ireland got to their first ever major tournament at Euro 1988 and famously beat
England
in their opening game.
They exited the tournament in the group stages before going one better at their first World Cup at Italia 90, getting to the quarter-finals.
Terry Phelan made his senior debut the following year and was involved in every game when Ireland got to the 1994 World Cup in the
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And he told SunSport via
"We had amazing players… [Liam] Brady, [Ronnie] Whelan, [Kevin] Stapleton, [Paul] McGrath, [Andy] Townsend, [Mark] Lawrenson, [Steve] Staunton… the list goes on.
"The first year was tough for Jack with Ireland, but once he weathered the storm, you look at the second year and Euro 88.
"Ireland became a team that people noticed and it went on from there. Jack brought the country together throughout his time as Ireland manager and this was huge!
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"His no-nonsense approach was spot on, every player know where they stood.
"We played hard, we had fun and Jack let us go out, but as a group, we knew when we crossed that white line, it was time to fight and be together.
Bobby Charlton hailed as 'greatest' by former Ireland manager Jack Charlton as footage re-emerges of late brothers
"We won big game games and went to major tournaments."
England's late equaliser against
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Alan McLoughlin's late
strike
at Windsor Park against
The World Cup itself started with another iconic moment, as Ray Houghton's goal at Giants Stadium sealed a 1-0 win over
revenge
for their defeat to the Azzurri four years earlier.
Despite losing to
next
game, a draw with
it was at this stage that the journey once again ended, as goals from
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Phelan - who won 42 caps for Ireland - said: "It was super-hot but we knew we had a squad to compete and we knew how to play on the big stage.
'GREAT TEAM'
"This was a great team we had. Most of us were playing in England, we were a
family
, we stuck together, and we had loads of fun outside of the pitch.
"We messed about, we ate Snickers and Mars bars! But we were a unit. We had so much quality in the team!
"I mentioned earlier, but McGrath, [Packie] Bonner, [Denis] Irwin, [Roy] Keane. We had leaders all over the pitch
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"[John] Sheridan was immense, Townsend was a
work
horse, Staunton had so much grit and determination
"Was had the class of Houghton to score the goal against
Italy
.
"The bond we had as players was excellent.
"As we went on, It was a bridge too far, but we went on one great ride."
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Ireland players, from left, Roy Keane, Kenny Cunningham, Terry Phelan and Richard Dunne
Credit: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Since hanging up the green
jersey
in 2000, the former defender has enjoyed a varied career on and off the field.
The former
Manchester
City,
star
ended his on-field run with Southern United in
His coaching career has taken him to
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The 58-year-old is relishing this chapter of his career but would welcome a return to Ireland down the line.
He said: "My
relationship
with Ireland is great!
"I loved every time I put on the jersey! To see so many passionate fans following us was testament to Jack and what he had done for the country.
"Every player who played for Ireland was the same. We were passionate about the country and playing our
football
.
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"I am very happy in India, coaching a lot and giving back. Feeling fit and keeping healthy.
"Coming home? Never say never! My dream is still alive to bring players over from India to Ireland and have a link up with any of the teams.
"I have so much passion for the game, I want to continue to coach, educate and empower young footballers to succeed.
"So, maybe there could be a chance to come back to Ireland especially, or England to coach as it's a massive passion of mine."
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Roy Keane, David Connolly, Terry Phelan and Ray Houghton
Credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE.