City honours Leeds United legend
A sporting complex in Leeds is being named after one of the city's footballing legends, John Charles.
The South Leeds stadium, which includes athletics facilities, football pitches and indoor tennis courts, will be known as the John Charles Centre for Sport.
The Swansea-born star, nicknamed the gentle giant, played for Leeds United from 1948 to 1957 before joining Juventus. He died in February 2004.
His widow Glenda said the location of the centre was perfect.
"Although John in his heart was a Welshman, his home was Leeds, where he had come as a young man," she said.
"The site is perfect, being in the area close to where he first lodged when he came to Leeds, his beloved Leeds United and also where his home was.
John Charles played for Leeds for nine years before joining Juventus
"I know that the people who will use the centre who know of John will always remember him fondly, and hopefully, many young people will be able to learn about him too."
Leeds City Council said it intended the centre's facilities to become renowned for sporting excellence and immortalise John Charles' legacy.
Leader of the council, councillor Andrew Carter, said: "I can think of no more fitting tribute than to ensure that his name continues as a byword for excellence among the countless people, young and old, who will come to use the centre named after him."
As well as the existing facilities at the centre, work is under way on a £16.5m project to build a new 50m swimming pool and diving centre, due for completion in the summer of 2007.
bbc.co.uk
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Very nice step for John Charles the legend...