Manchester United legend and ‘Hero of Munich’ Harry Gregg has died at the age of 87.
Gregg was part of United’s ‘Busby Babes’ and has been hailed for rescuing survivors of the 1958 Munich air disaster, in which 23 people lost their lives.
The former goalkeeper rescued Red Devils team-mates Bobby Charlton and Dennis Viollet from the plane wreckage, as well as a 20-month old baby and her pregnant mother.
Gregg became the most expensive goalkeeper in history when he joined Manchester United from Doncaster Rovers 1957 and went on to make 247 appearances for the club.
‘It is with great sorrow that we inform of the death of Manchester United and Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg, OBE,’ a message on the Harry Gregg Foundation Facebook page said.
‘Harry passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his loving family.
‘The Gregg family would like to thank the medical staff at Causeway Hospital for their wonderful dedication to Harry over his last few weeks.
It is with deepest sadness that we have learned of the passing of former player Harry Gregg OBE. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club go out to Harry’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/5kjlpn5Wqm
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 17, 2020
‘To everyone who has called, visited or sent well wishes we thank you for the love and respect shown to Harry and the family.
‘Details of his funeral arrangement will be issued in the next few days. We would ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this difficult time.
‘Never to be forgotten!’
Gregg played for Manchester United just 13 days after the Munich disaster in a 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.
As well as developing into a club legend at Old Trafford, Gregg also earned 25 caps for Northern Ireland and was named goalkeeper of the tournament at the 1958 World Cup.
Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Patrice Evra and Ashley Young played in a testimonial match for Gregg in 2012.
Ahead of the game, Manchester United’s legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: ‘We should alway pay homage to those players who have played such a part in creating our history and Harry is one of them.
‘Harry showed great courage in the Munich air disaster. There was also his longevity as a goalkeeper at Manchester United.
‘He is part of the rich history of our club and we should never forget that.’
from Football – Metro https://ift.tt/2SO0hYp
No comments:
Post a Comment