The unveiling of the statue of Jack Leslie was a poignant moment for his three granddaughters and other members of his family – but it was also a very special occasion for a 96-year-old lifelong Argyle supporter from Southway.
After reading a story in the Plymouth Chronicle about the unveiling plans, Charlie Trevethan wrote to the newspaper pointing out that he was probably the only person alive who saw Jack play.
Charlie started watching Argyle in 1931 at the age of just seven and remembers vividly Jack’s goal-scoring feats.
Charlie said:
“I know it was coming to end of Jack’s career, but he and outside left Sammy Black were always consistent goalscorers.”
He added:
“I hope Jack’s granddaughters know that there is someone still alive who saw their grandad play.”
After receiving Charlie’s letter, Chronicle editor Chris Girdler contacted the Jack Leslie Statue campaign organisers Greg Foxsmith and Matt Tiller to let them know about Charlie and to ensure that Jack’s granddaughters were also made aware of the fact that there was a supporter alive who had seen him play at Home Park.
Although Charlie is housebound, arrangements were made to get him to Home Park on the morning of the unveiling, so that he could witness the historic occasion.
Charlie was literally treated like a celebrity during the event. Not only did he get to meet Jack’s granddaughters Lesley, Lyn and Gill, but also other members of Jack’s extended family who were at the ceremony.
He was also introduced to Argyle chief executive Andrew Parkinson, as well as the campaign organisers Greg Foxsmith and Matt Tiller and West Ham legend Carlton Cole.
Grandaughter Lesley said:
“We were all delighted to meet Charlie – he is such a wonderful gentleman with an incredible recollection of grandad’s playing days at Argyle.”
Charlie also got to meet Argyle manager Steve Schumacher, who spent several minutes chatting to him about football. Charlie is not a great fan of the modern style of playing the ball out from the back and he made that clear to Schuey, as well as encouraging the team to score more goals (something which they did the following day against Accrington Stanley!)
He was also interviewed by the Daily Mail, local radio and a number of TV channels. He also featured in coverage of the event on BBC Spotlight and ITV West Country News that evening.
Charlie said:
“This has been one of the best days of my life. I cannot thank everyone involved enough. Special thanks to Chris Girdler and his friend Les Walters for getting me to the ground and taking me home afterwards. I never dreamt that I would be able to attend the unveiling in person.”
