Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

United Kingdom

Man United legend Gregg was a player “not a hero”

Manchester United goalkeeper Harry Gregg wanted to be remembered for his football – not a hero of the Munich air crash, his funeral was told.

Sir Bobby Charlton – one of the Busby Babes rescued by Gregg after the 1958 disaster – was among the mourners.

United legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Denis Law also attended the service in Gregg’s home town of Coleraine in Northern Ireland.

Advertisement

Gregg, a former Northern Ireland international, died earlier this week aged 87.

BBC NI sports presenter Stephen Watson delivered a eulogy as his widow Carolyn and other family members watched on.

He said the disaster left a scar on Gregg for the rest of his life as he dealt with the twin torments of guilt and grief.

Watson added: “Harry Gregg’s notoriety because of the Munich air crash came at a price – it cast a shadow over his life that he found difficult to dispel, but he always carried it with grace.

“Harry was determined that even though Munich shaped his destiny, it would not shape his life.

“Harry’s actions, though, on the runway that fateful day meant he transcended sporting greatness.

“He was called the Hero of Munich, but he always wanted to be remembered simply as a footballer and a coach of some repute.

“In his own words: ‘I’m Harry Gregg from 34 Windsor Avenue in Coleraine who played football – I was useful on some days and rubbish on others. That’s how I want to be remembered. Not for something that happened on a spur of a moment’.

 

Comments

Latest Tweets

Advertisement

You May Also Like

United Kingdom

Film director Ridley Scott has recalled the death of actor Oliver Reed while making the Oscar winning blockbuster Gladiator. Scott said hard-drinking Reed “just...

Business

The controversial Russian businessman Viktor Baturin, well-known for his years-long counterstanding with his wealthy sister Elena, widow of Moscow ex-mayor Yuri Luzhkov, is likely...

United Kingdom

The Tremeloes. Dave Munden centre Dave Munden the Tremeloes drummer – and often lead singer – with the 60s chart toppers has died. He...

United Kingdom

The Watneys Party Seven is making a comeback. The ubiquitous 70s beer was a bland fizzing bitter ridiculed by many. The drink’s insipidness helped...