David Jack
by Chris Jack
The founding Chairman of FMA's predecessor organisation, the Australian Soccer Press Association, David Jack is also the only person to chair the professional association of foootball writers in both Australia and England.
David was born into football. His father, David Bone Nightingale Jack, was the first player to score a goal in an FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium and regarded as a legend at both Bolton Wanderers and Arsenal.
David Jack's grandfather Bob, and uncles Rollo and Donald, also played football at the highest level in England and Scotland.
But David’s real passion was his writing. David’s football resume in England saw him write for a number of newspapers in both Manchester and London, including the 'News of the World' and the 'Daily Sketch'.
In 1966 David was elected Chairman of the English Football Writers Association. In the same year he presented the player of the year award to Sir Bobby Charlton.
Offered a job to write for 'The Sun' newspaper in Sydney, David and wife Rose decided it was the right time to immigrate to Australia with their seven children.
David quickly established himself as an honest and forthright journalist, not afraid to criticise elements of the game when he believed it needed to be criticised.
It wasn’t long before he helped build the profile of the game in Australia by becoming the first football analyst on Sydney television with his weekly appearances on Rex Mossop’s 'Sportsaction' on Channel 7.
David spent several years on the show until he resigned following off camera verbal abuse by Rex Mossop in front of his guest at the time, Frank Lowy. David was later replaced by Johnny Warren.
David always believed that there was a market for local football newspapers and in 1980 became the founding editor of Australian Soccer Weekly.
ASW’s focus was on the Australian game, covering the NSL and every state and territory competition. It was innovative for its time and it made Tuesday’s publication day very exciting for local football fans.
David Jack attended the 1958, 1962, 1966, 1974, 1982 and 1986 World Cups as a journalist. He collaborated on a number of books including legendary Man United Manager Matt Busby, England internationals Tom Finney & Len Shackleton, Northern Ireland international Jimmy McIlroy and famous Australian cricket scorer Bill Ferguson. In 1985 David Jack managed Kevin Keegan during his successful guest stint with Blacktown City
The FMA and its members appreciates the groundbreaking work of David Jack in Australian football and is proud to have him as a Life Member.
David was born into football. His father, David Bone Nightingale Jack, was the first player to score a goal in an FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium and regarded as a legend at both Bolton Wanderers and Arsenal.
David Jack's grandfather Bob, and uncles Rollo and Donald, also played football at the highest level in England and Scotland.
But David’s real passion was his writing. David’s football resume in England saw him write for a number of newspapers in both Manchester and London, including the 'News of the World' and the 'Daily Sketch'.
In 1966 David was elected Chairman of the English Football Writers Association. In the same year he presented the player of the year award to Sir Bobby Charlton.
Offered a job to write for 'The Sun' newspaper in Sydney, David and wife Rose decided it was the right time to immigrate to Australia with their seven children.
David quickly established himself as an honest and forthright journalist, not afraid to criticise elements of the game when he believed it needed to be criticised.
It wasn’t long before he helped build the profile of the game in Australia by becoming the first football analyst on Sydney television with his weekly appearances on Rex Mossop’s 'Sportsaction' on Channel 7.
David spent several years on the show until he resigned following off camera verbal abuse by Rex Mossop in front of his guest at the time, Frank Lowy. David was later replaced by Johnny Warren.
David always believed that there was a market for local football newspapers and in 1980 became the founding editor of Australian Soccer Weekly.
ASW’s focus was on the Australian game, covering the NSL and every state and territory competition. It was innovative for its time and it made Tuesday’s publication day very exciting for local football fans.
David Jack attended the 1958, 1962, 1966, 1974, 1982 and 1986 World Cups as a journalist. He collaborated on a number of books including legendary Man United Manager Matt Busby, England internationals Tom Finney & Len Shackleton, Northern Ireland international Jimmy McIlroy and famous Australian cricket scorer Bill Ferguson. In 1985 David Jack managed Kevin Keegan during his successful guest stint with Blacktown City
The FMA and its members appreciates the groundbreaking work of David Jack in Australian football and is proud to have him as a Life Member.
