It is 56 years since the tragic Munich Air Disaster

It is 56 years since the tragic Munich Air Disaster

Thursday 6 February marks 56 years since the Munich Air Disaster, one of English football’s saddest events.

On this day in 1958, Manchester United suffered their greatest tragedy as the plane taking the team home from a European Cup match crashed in Munich.

The 'Busby Babes', as they were known to fans of football everywhere, played their final game a day earlier defeating Red Star Belgrade 5-4 on aggregate on 5 February, to reach the last four.

Among the 23 who passed away were eight United players. England internationals Roger Byrne, Tommy Taylor and David Pegg along with Eddie Colman, Mark Jones, Bill Whelan and Geoff Bent died in the crash. Another England star, Duncan Edwards, died later in a German hospital.

United coach Bert Whalley, trainer Tom Curry and club secretary Walter Crickmer were also killed along with eight journalists, including former England and Manchester City ‘keeper Frank Swift.

But United, despite their devastating losses, completed their season amidst reports that they may fold. On 19 February they were back playing in an FA Cup Fifth Round game against Sheffield Wednesday.

And Sir Matt Busby rebuilt the Reds, who went on to win The FA Cup in 1963, the League title twice, in 1964-65 and 1966-67, and the European Cup in 1968.