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How Bobby Charlton ended up playing four games for a little-known Irish club just three years after leaving Manchester United

When the eulogies are read out at Sir Bobby Charlton's memorial service on Monday afternoon, mention may be made that he once played for Waterford.

It might raise a few eyebrows. Everyone knows Charlton as a legend for England and Manchester United, not to mention a perfect gentleman on and off the field who achieved global renown.

But how did Charlton come to play four matches for a League of Ireland outfit during the twilight of his career?

The reality is that in 1976, when he crossed the Irish Sea, Charlton - then aged 38 - was at something of a crossroads in his footballing life.