While researching this weeks’ book review I happened to come across this article written on the 50th anniversary of Munich. It tells the story of a son who never knew his father because Manchester United skipper Roger Byrne lost his life in that tragedy, just days before his widow Joy discovered she was pregnant with their first child. It gave an opportunity for Roger Junior to recount his memories of growing up in those difficult times. Although this is a three year old article written in February 1958 for the Daily Mirror by journalist Julie McCaffrey, it loses none of the touching emotions experienced by the Byrne close knit family during those dark days.

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Wikipedia pays tribute to Duncan Edwards who lost his brave battle for life 53 years ago today.

Duncan Edwards (1 October 1936 – 21 February 1958) was an English footballer who played for Manchester United and the England national team. He was one of the Busby Babes, the young United team formed under manager Matt Busby in the mid 1950s and one of eight players who died as a result of the Munich air disaster. Born in Dudley, Edwards signed for Manchester United as a teenager and went on to become the youngest player to play in the Football League First Division and the then youngest England player since the Second World War. In a professional career of less than five years he helped United to win two Football League championships and reach the semi-finals of the European Cup. Although he survived the crash of the team’s plane at Munich on February 6, 1958 he died as a result of his injuries 15 days later.

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Wikipedia pays tribute to Duncan Edwards who lost his brave battle for life 53 years ago today.

Duncan Edwards (1 October 1936 – 21 February 1958) was an English footballer who played for Manchester United and the England national team. He was one of the Busby Babes, the young United team formed under manager Matt Busby in the mid 1950s and one of eight players who died as a result of the Munich air disaster. Born in Dudley, Edwards signed for Manchester United as a teenager and went on to become the youngest player to play in the Football League First Division and the then youngest England player since the Second World War. In a professional career of less than five years he helped United to win two Football League championships and reach the semi-finals of the European Cup. Although he survived the crash of the team’s plane at Munich on February 6, 1958 he died as a result of his injuries 15 days later.

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In news that will bring a superior smirk to the faces of many a United fan, news has emerged that, after six months in the job, Rafael Benitez has been sacked by Inter Milan, the same Inter Milan who, after winning an incredible treble last season under the guidance of Jose Mourinho, are currently sat in 7^th position in Serie A, 13 points behind the leaders, AC Milan, albeit with two games in hand. The reason for the dismissal is simple. Read the full story

In news that will bring a superior smirk to the faces of many a United fan, news has emerged that, after six months in the job, Rafael Benitez has been sacked by Inter Milan, the same Inter Milan who, after winning an incredible treble last season under the guidance of Jose Mourinho, are currently sat in 7^th position in Serie A, 13 points behind the leaders, AC Milan, albeit with two games in hand. The reason for the dismissal is simple. Read the full story

The record books show that Viv Anderson was the last big name player to be transferred from Arsenal to Manchester United in 1987 but two earlier signings proved to be just as significant. Few players have shown the knack of finding the net better than former great David Herd did in the sixties. During his seven years at Old Trafford, the Scotland born striker scored 145 times in 265 appearances. Then there was the Irish centre forward Frank Stapleton who had been rejected by United as a teenager. It was therefore ironic that Ron Atkinson had to pay the Gunners £900,000 for his signature in August 1981. Both Herd and Stapleton proved to be inspirational signings for which the Arsenal contribution has to be recognised.

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