The greatest comb-over in football history is sadly no more with the passing of Bobby Charlton. The Manchester United and England legend was universally respected. Furthermore, he will be remembered as one of the greatest footballers of all time. So, as tributes go, is there any better than the “Kes” Bobby Charlton scene?
“Kes” Bobby Charlton reference
“Kes” is a film from the late 1960s that falls in the ‘kitchen sink drama’ tradition. It tells the story of a young boy from South Yorkshire mining country, with a thoroughly working class background, who has his life transformed by the relationship he establishes with a kestrel.
During a scene where the boys are at school playing a football match, the physical education teacher steals the show by demanding to be Bobby Charlton. This is in the tradition of kids choosing a famous player to be in their kick around. Played by legendary the Yorkshireman Brian Glover, he steals the scene as the PE teacher with his childish bullying of the boys under his care.
The movie Kes is from 1969, filmed at the height of Bobby Charlton’s playing fame. Evidently, the Kes Bobby Charlton reference helps show how revered Charlton was during his playing career. And, let’s not forget, it’s a very funny movie scene.
You can watch the scene below (Charlton gets referenced from 1 min 20 seconds onwards). Enjoy.
Charlton in words and numbers
Charlton is a bone fide footballing legend in a world where ‘legend’ is thrown around far too freely.
At one time or another Charlton was the player who had played most for Manchester United, as well as the leading goalscorer ever for Manchester United. Charlton was also the record caps holder and goalscorer for England, too.
Although others have since surpassed Charlton’s records, it doesn’t diminish his achievements. We should remember that for the goalscoring records, Charlton played as a midfielder. Not a striker. A midfielder. To score so many goals is quite remarkable, really.
Combine the records with the reputation Charlton had as gentleman of football, make no wonder the Kes Bobby Charlton scene made the final cut of the film.
Bobby Charlton key achievements
- 106 England caps (a record at the time)
- 49 England goals (a record at the time)
- 758 Manchester United appearances (a record at the time)
- 249 goals for Manchester United (a record at the time, since beaten by Wayne Rooney)
- World Cup winner with England in 1966
- European Cup winner with Manchester United in 1968
