Manchester United have unveiled plans for a permanent memorial
to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster next
year.
For the Old Trafford faithful, February 6th 1958 will always be
remembered as the darkest day in the club's history, when the Busby
Babes were decimated trying to fly back from their European Cup tie
in Belgrade.
Icy conditions effected the take off after refuelling in Germany
and eight players, Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Mark
Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor, Liam Whelan and Duncan Edwards,
lost their lives along with 15 other passengers.
Tributes are paid to the fallen each year and there is a clock and
plaque already commemorating the events at Old Trafford, but the
50th anniversary has prompted club chief executive David Gill to
reveal new plans for people to be able to pay their respects.
"The Munich air disaster is so much a part of the very fabric of
Manchester United," said Gill.
"Everyone who works at the club and who follows the club knows the
significance of this terrible tragedy and the impact it has had
upon the history of United.
"Our job is to ensure that such a major milestone, as the 50th
anniversary undoubtedly is, captures the importance of the
event.
"We owe it to our young fans to keep fresh the memory of those who
lost their lives in service to the club.
"It is right that this tribute will be both significant and easily
accessible to all who visit the ground."
The announcement follows the club's decision to also honour
legendary trio Denis Law, George Best and Bobby Charlton with a
statue at the stadium.
