The Fall And Rise Of Manchester United – How A Club Rose Again After A Devastating Tragedy
Tragic Accident
On February 6th 1958 at 3:04pm, one of the most tragic accidents in the history of football occurred at Munich Airport. The plane, carrying members of the Manchester United football club, journalists and others, crashed on take-off. The United team, known as the “Busby Babes”, were returning home following a 3-3 draw against Yugoslav champions Red Star Belgrade in the second leg of the European Cup quarter-finals.
Twenty-three passengers died that afternoon, including eight members of the team. Many others suffered severe physical and mental trauma.
In the emotionally stirring and intimate socio-novel Munichs, David Peace unravels the aftermath of the crash in his unique, thought-provoking style. David’s extensive research and anecdotal evidence demonstrate the shock, sadness, warmth and, ultimately, desire of the people affected to bounce back and move on. The book starts with a premonition based on the Busby Babes playing Arsenal before jolting the thoughts of readers back to the actual crash.
Like A Thunderbolt
The deaths of aspiring stars like Duncan Edwards, Tommy Taylor and David Pegg hit the whole country like a thunderbolt. During a poignant requiem for David Pegg, the vicar noted that David had won many honours but had always remained humble, displaying loyalty to his friends and village.
In a similar vein, Peace notes the role of David Gaskell (aged 17), who, after training, was asked to sort out and put into boxes the belongings and kit of two players (Liam Whelan and Tommy Taylor) who had died in the crash.
David was a key sporting figure in Wrexham, having played in goal for Wrexham, wing forward for Wrexham Rugby Club’s first team and vice-captain of Wrexham cricket team.
He was United’s youngest-ever player, making his debut against Manchester City in October 1956 at just over 16. On the field of play, he asked no quarter in his determination to succeed, illustrated by playing in the 1963 FA Cup final when United defeated Leicester City, and subsequently winning two league championship medals.
Humility, Dedication And Willingness
Peaces outlines Gaskell’s attributes of humility, dedication and willingness to help in the text. They are particularly relevant for others who aspire to become professional sportsmen.
The story focuses on the motivating endeavours of key individuals, such as Bill Foulkes, Mark Pearson, coach Jimmy Murphy, and Bobby Charlton, with the last two featuring particularly strongly. David’s vivid insight makes it enthralling reading in terms of the emotions of the players and club personnel who survived. He describes Bobby Charlton’s desire and need to play again, not for himself, but for all those who had died or were still convalescing in Munich.
The overriding aspiration was to keep the team in the First Division and reach the Cup Final, so Jimmy Murphy was assigned the task of signing new players to keep the United flag flying until the end of the season.
The book highlights an era when fans regarded footballers as a part of their communities. These supporters put players put on pedestals, not because of their wealth and financial flamboyance, but because of their skills on the pitch.
Humility And Role Models
Although they had achieved star status, they retained their humility and remained role models to fans. The title of the book “Munichs” refers to the kind of tragedy-chanting used by a minority of opposition supporters towards United fans. The vast majority of rival supporters consider this shameless and despicable behaviour utterly abhorrent.
David Peace’s unique style has produced a stirring and brilliantly composed book, which is, in many ways, a reflection of social history in terms of community and sporting life in the 1950s. The fantastic efforts of players, personnel, families and supporters enabled Manchester United to bear the burden of Munich in 1958. About 40 years later, the club made football history when they became the first English or Welsh club to win the treble of Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.
Well worth reading.
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Author: John Morris for Love Wrexham Magazine
John is an FA coach. He has worked with young players at Fulham, Chelsea, QPR and Wrexham, promoting resilience, tenacity and self-discipline. He is currently a consultant addressing growth mindsets to promote sports, education, and business performance.
