Munich and the Flowers of Manchester

SIXTY SIX YEARS SIXTY SIX SEASONS

A bunch of bouncing Busby Babes. Two First Division titles were won, plundered. A future so bright it could be seen even through the smog, fumes and smoke of a bleak Mancunian sky. Then Matt Busby turned his attention to Europe and glories, further afield. He knew the game was destined to spread beyond these provinces and shores and wanted Manchester United to be right amongst it, fighting with the elite for the European cup. And then...News of the disaster at Munich dripped like blood onto Manchester. Like a shaving accident refusing to stem bleeding down the face.

On Thursday 6th February1958, the plane carrying Manchester United back from Belgrade after a European cup quarter final, crashed at Munich airport, killing twenty-one passengers, including seven players. Left fighting for their lives in a Munich hospital were manager Matt Busby and the living breathing heart and soul of the now decimated Busby Babes. Duncan Edwards. Duncan also would not make it. Manchester was aghast in sorrow. Black drapes, wreaths and heartfelt epic poems to the fallen covered every house and shop windows. The coffins of the dead lay in state at the club gymnasium. Looked over by two policemen whose only task appeared to be handing out tissues for the tears of weeping visitors. A city's heart lay broken. For Manchester United supporters the snow from that Munich runway has never really stopped falling. The following is an anthology of work I have done over the years on the Busby Babes and the crash, plus a section at the end for people to express their own feelings and memories. All which are genuinely moving. As the Munich anniversary arrives every year in the first week of February, and truly heartfelt accolades are spoken. As flowers are laid and songs sung. Older supporters will close their eyes and remember what must surely now feel like a different lifetime ago, that bunch of bouncing Busby Babes. And if you really want to know about the magic of those times, those special young players. Well, just ask them. Then look into their eyes. For few words will be required and you will have your answer.