Manchester United legends lead tributes to Munich air disaster hero Gregg
Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex Ferguson have led the tributes to former Manchester United and Northern Ireland goalkeeper Harry Gregg, who has died at the age of 87.
Gregg was hailed as a hero of the Munich air disaster on 6 February, 1958, in which 23 people were killed. He was a survivor and twice returned to the burning fuselage to drag teammates and strangers to safety.
He rescued United teammates Charlton and Dennis Viollet from the BEA Flight 609, as well as a 20-monthold baby and her badly injured pregnant mother.
In nine years at United, Gregg played 247 times, including a 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday just 13 days after the Munich tragedy.
Charlton said on United’s website: “[my wife] Lady Norma
and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Harry Gregg.
“I was proud to call him a team-mate. For all the matterof-fact things Harry said about that night in Munich, for me, he will always be remembered as a heroic figure. It’s incredible to think that he went on to play in a match against Sheffield Wednesday just 13 days after that tragic night.
“A shining light both on and off the pitch. For so many reasons, he deserves to be remembered as one of the greatest names in Manchester United’s history.”
Ferguson, who took his United team to play in Gregg’s testimonial in Belfast in 2012, said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Harry Gregg.
“Harry was a man of great character and a true legend at our club. I loved his company and the many pieces of advice he gave me.”
United, whose players wore black armbands as a mark of respect in last night’s match at Chelsea, said: “It is with deepest sadness that we have learnt of the passing of former player Harry Gregg OBE.
“Harry was one of the greatest goalkeepers to have played for Manchester United and also one of the greatest men.
“His bravery in rushing to the aid of teammates and other passengers during the Munich air disaster will never be forgotten.”