Given the closeness and degree of warmth that defined the relationship between Jack Charlton and Paul McGrath, it's likely that in the aftermath of the sad news of Charlton's passing, the immediate thoughts of Irish football fans might have thought turned to McGrath.
To begin with, the levels of affection, empathy, and compassion that Charlton used to manage the former Aston Villa and Manchester United defender during his highly-publicised battles with alcohol was supreme man-management.
Charlton knew that Paul McGrath was a unique individual and by giving him leeway and extra attention, he'd get the best out of a man that's rightfully regarded as one of - if not the - greatest player to ever wear the green shirt.
In fact, in McGrath's tribute to Charlton, he said: "I am truly heartbroken at Jack’s passing. It is difficult for me to articulate what Jack meant to me both on and off the football field.
“Throughout his ten years as manager of our international team, Jack backed me as a footballer and as a person - he became a father figure to me. He gave me his full support when I needed it most and for which I am forever grateful. He has been a hugely important person in my life" before adding that the former Irish manager "is a man I genuinely loved."
The bond between Jack Charlton and Paul McGrath was more like that of a father and son but in Virgin Media's new series of Lodging With Lucy, the TV presenter will get to chat with McGrath about Charlton's sad passing.
Ahead of the show's premiere on Monday, the broadcaster released a few clips about what viewers can expect and it's bound to be an emotional rollercoaster as one of Ireland's favourite sons talks about 'Big Jack,' his time in foster care, why he's still loved by the Irish public, his glorious career as a footballer, and much more.
As you can see in the clip below, the show isn't solely focused on McGrath's magnificent achievements on the pitch thought because he candidly talks about his mother and the years he spent in an orphanage.
"If I was my mum, I would have left me with either with the foster parents or in the orphanage. And I wouldn't have gone back because it was tough for her to come out and keep saying 'that's my kid, that's my son.' And I loved her for that. And I'll always love her for that," said McGrath.
Elsewhere in the show, Kennedy asks the defender - or God, as he's known by the Aston Villa fans - if he has any idea how much he's still adored by the Irish public and in typical fashion, the Irish legend states that other people are far more deserving of this revered status.
"I don't understand the adoration - or whatever it is - that people still come up and ask for a photograph with me. Or even, older men just coming up and wanting to shake my hand and say 'thank you.' I was doing something that I loved and even back then, I'd say that doctors, rescuers, and people who save other peoples lives, there are loads of people I'd put before footballers, anyway. But I still enjoy it," he said.
You can see the full show when Lodging with Lucy starts this Monday, 28 September at 9pm on Virgin Media One.
Take a look at what's in store when Lucy meets Paul McGrath.
🚨 LODGING WITH LUCY SNEAK PEEK 🚨
"If was my mom, I would've have left me with either foster parents or the orphanage and I wouldn't have gone back..."
Paul McGrath in new show 'Lodging With Lucy' starts Monday at 9pm on Virgin Media One#LodgingWithLucy pic.twitter.com/fRyCidhmoi— Virgin Media Television (@VirginMedia_TV) September 26, 2020
