JOHN Charles, who has been awarded the CBE in the Birthday Honours list, is widely regarded as one of the finest and most versatile footballers of the last century.

But there is no doubt, that he is the most celebrated player ever to have turned out for Hereford United.

Equally at home in attack or defence, the Swansea-born Charles made his name at Leeds United in the 1950s before a big money transfer to Juventus catapulted him into football's elite.

Nicknamed Il Buono Gigante -- the Gentle Giant -- Charles established a reputation and popularity in Italy which remains to this day.

A short spell at Cardiff City ended his Football League career but, after signing for Hereford United in 1966, he proved that there was still plenty of life left, even as he ap-proached the veteran stage.

His phenomenal heading power made him probably the most feared forward in the Southern League and his five years at Edgar Street brought him the remarkable tally of 130 goals in just 243 games.

After succeeding Bob Dennison as Hereford's manager, Charles proved himself a shrewd judge of a footballer, signing many of the players in the famous 'Giant-killers' side which brought the club lasting fame under his successor Colin Addison.

After leaving Edgar Street in September 1971, 'Big John' spent some time as player-manager of Merthyr Tydfil, a period which allowed him a sentimental return to Edgar Street for a Welsh Cup tie.

Even then, in his early 40s, he was the game's outstanding player at sweeper, almost single-handedly earning his side a replay in a goalless draw.