MANCHESTER UNITED legend Harry Gregg has died aged 87.
The Munich Air Disaster hero saved the lives of Bobby Charlton and Denis Viollet, amongst others, as he pulled them from the burning wreckage after the 1958 crash.
Harry Gregg with Sir Alex Ferguson in 2012Credit: Getty – Contributor
Pictures of the wreckage left in 1958Credit: Getty – Contributor
Gregg was travelling back from a European Cup game against Red Star Belgrade on February 6 with the rest of the ‘Busby Babes’ when the airplane they were travelling crashed after failing to take off on the snow-covered runway at Munich-Riem Airport.
Gregg was hailed the hero of the tragedy after he escaped and went back into the burning wreckage to rescue Vera Lukic, the pregnant wife of a Yugoslav diplomat, and her young daughter, Vesna.
He then returned to the plane and rescued injured pair Charlton and Viollet, manager Matt Busby and Northern Ireland international team-mate Jackie Blanchflower.
Incredibly, he played just 13 days later for United in a 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.
In his autobiography, Harry’s Game, he said of the crash: “Munich established my identity, of that there is no doubt. (But) the notoriety has come at a price, for Munich has cast a shadow over my life which I found difficult to dispel.”
World Cup winner Charlton said in a 2017 BBC documentary: “I was just lucky and sitting in the right place. We never got off the floor and ran into a house and into a few other obstacles. It was just a nightmare.
Harry Gregg saved the lives of Bobby Charlton and Denis Viollet, amongst othersCredit: PA:Press Association
Bobby Charlton, seen here with Gregg, is now the only player who survived the Munich Air Disaster still aliveCredit: Handout – Getty
“When we got to the hospital I started ranting and raving. I just didn’t understand.
“The medical people came around and gave me an injection in the back of my neck and I just collapsed. I didn’t wake up until the following morning.
“This German lad was there and he had a paper. He had a list of all the players and he read them out and if they were alive he would say ‘yes’ and if they were dead he said ‘no’.”
Tragically, 23 people died in the disaster, including England international Duncan Edwards, captain Roger Byrne, Geoff Bent, Eddie Colman, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor and Billy Whelan
A coach, club official, steward, supporter, travel agent, the co-pilot and journalists also perished in the crash.
Gregg made 210 appearances for United between 1957–1966Credit: PA:Press Association
The Man Utd team featuring Gregg, Denis Law, top left, and Bobby Charlton, bottom right, before an FA Cup game in 1963Credit: Getty – Contributor
Charlton, 82, is the only remaining survivor from the disaster 62 years ago.
Gregg made 247 appearances for United between 1957–1966 after joining from Doncaster for a then world record £23,000.
However, he never won a medal with them after injury ruled him out of 1963 FA Cup-winning side and limited his appearances in two title-winning seasons.
He ended his playing career with Stoke in 1967 before going on to manage Shrewsbury, Swansea, Crewe and Carlisle.
As an international Gregg made 25 appearances for Northern Ireland and was voted the best goalkeeper in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.
Tributes were paid for the ex-goalkeeper as it was revealed he died “peacefully in hospital” in Coleraine, Northern Ireland.
The Harry Gregg Foundation said: “It is with great sorrow that we inform of the death of Manchester United and Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg, OBE.
“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.
“To everyone who has called, visited or sent well wishes we thank you for the love and respect shown to Harry and the family.”
United confirmed they will wear black armbands to honor Gregg for their match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tonight.
Gregg, who leaves behind five children, was awarded an OBE last year.
Gregg made 25 appearances for Northern Ireland and was voted the best goalkeeper in the 1958 World Cup in SwedenCredit: Rex Features
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
