It was a horror break but good came out of it
BUSST HAD NO TIME FOR SELF PITY AFTER INJURY
IF EVER there was an example of a negative being turned into a positive, then Dave Busst is the living embodiment of it.
When your claim to fame – in the former Coventry star’s words – is “the worst injury in football” there are one of two routes to go down.
One is a spiral of self pity. The other is using it as a force for good. And after more than two decades caring for the city’s needy and worthy – it is fair to say the 56-year-old has taken the latter path.
But let us take you back in time to April 8, 1996 when the defender collided with Manchester United pair Brian McClair and Denis Irwin.
Do not look at the pictures – they are too graphic. Suffice to say the bone in his fibula was sticking out of his sock.
United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel reportedly vomited on the pitch.
This reporter had struck up a fledgling friendship with Busst. It sounded like a careerender – and it was.
He said: “All I remember is lying there, I was told not to move. I was aware something wasn’t where it used to be.
“The next two to three weeks was full of operations, 10 in 12 days, and then getting used to the fact I was the day’s or week’s news with people wanting to interview me, despite the fact I was in hospital.
“My dad shielded me as much as he could. I was trying to re-establish myself then it all came crumbling down.”
United took a team to Coventry for Busst’s testimonial – it was the last time Eric Cantona, below, wore the famous red shirt.
Busst said: “It was a brilliant night. We had just beaten Spurs to stay up. Supporters were queuing around the ground. I think it was the first time a testimonial had sold out prior to kick-off.
“Schmeichel, David Beckham, Gary Neville turned out. George Best was in one of the corporate areas. He signed four or five special polo shirts we had made for the occasion, so that raised a good few quid.
“Gazza turned up with a signed Rangers top.
“I was very grateful because it allowed me to pay off my mortgage as I didn’t work for a couple of years afterwards.
“It took three years to get through the injury. I had to have tendons repositioned in my right foot. Then my Achilles had a hole in it. I had back problems because the body compensates for what happened to my leg.
“It was three years before I could get back. I played for another four years after that in over-35s. I played until I was 50 – I always wanted to carry on as long as I could.
“I still go to walking football. It’s that mentality and being around the dressing room. Nothing beats being in a dressing room. The wit, banter, friendship.”
Busst struggled to find his calling but then coached and worked in Coventry’s community department.
He said: “Initially I went part-time. I took over as head of community in 2003 and we became a registered charity five years later.
“Everything changed from bibs, balls and cones to health and wellbeing, education and employability, inclusion and diversity – using the brand of Coventry to raise aspirations. I can’t say enough about the way the people of Coventry have embraced me – and I’m genuinely grateful.”
When Coventry meet United again tomorrow, Busst believes Mark Robins’ team will need everything to fall in their favour to cause an upset in the FA Cup semi-final.
As for him, he is looking forward and at peace.
Busst said: “As horrific as the injury was, it was probably the fact it was so bad that has given me the opportunities that it has.”