Today (February 6) marks the tragedy of the Munich air disaster, where Salford football legends; Eddie Colman and Geoff Bent lives were sadly lost.
66-years-ago today, one of the most tragic news in football and Manchester United’s history happened.
In 1958 the ‘Busby Babes’ were travelling on their way back from a European cup win against Red Star Belgrade. The flight briefly made a brief stop in Munich to refuel. After the first two failed attempts to take off, the third attempt led to the plane crashing.
23 passengers suffered from fatal injuries – amongst the victims were Salford footballing legends; Eddie Colman and Geoff Bent.
Eddie Colman was 21 at the time and was the youngest of the passengers to lose his life. Colman was born in Ordsall, Archie Street.
He joined Manchester United’s youth team in 1952 and moved up to the first team in the 1955-1956 season and played there for three years before his tragic death. Throughout his time at United, Colman won a First Division title medal and a League Championship medal.
He also helped United reach the semi-finals of the European Cup and collected a runners up medal at the FA Cup.
Manchester United has put a tweet out to pay their respects.
Paying our respects at Manchesterplatz in Munich.
The flowers of English football. The Flowers of Manchester 🌹 pic.twitter.com/BWk8lzAgUD
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 6, 2024
The talented youngster adopted the nickname ‘snake hips’ for his trademark body swerve. A building located at Salford University has been named after the fellow Busby Babe to commemorate him.
Geoff Bent also lost his life that day. He was born at Irlams o’ th’ height, Bent. Geoff became a hero at the age of 13 after he saved a boy from drowning and was awarded a medal by his local ‘Humane Society’.
Before his tragic passing, Bent played for United over a seven year period with 12 appearances.
People travelled far and wide to come and be part of the minutes silence.
Many United fans gathered at Old Trafford to pay their respects, speaking to a devoted fan of United who has been to 38 countries to watch them play, here is what he had to say about the somber day.
“I come for the players that died in the Munich air crash.”
There was a massive sense of unity that spread across Manchester United’s ground and it was touching to see just how many people mourn the loses of these still, even though it was 66 years ago.
“The team and the club are built on the memories of those players and they still remember the day all these years later.”
The fan took the time to reflect on the past and show a similarity between 1958 and today.
“The majority were young players who come through the club and we still bring players through today.”
Salford Lads Club has dedicated an Instagram post to the late Eddie Colman, as he was a member of the Club.
You can visit the Lads Club which still has his membership card on display to this day. Click here.
Watch our TikTok here to find out more information.
Click here.
Recent Comments