The Busby Babes a tribute to you!

As Manchester United celebrates the Busby Babes and remembers the disaster that killed 23 people connected with the club it is important to remember the team’s achievements preceding that disastrous night. Matt Busby’s team had an average age of just 22 when it won the championship in 1955-56. The darlings of football looked set to dominate football for the decade to come.

World War 2 had left many football teams struggling in terms of success and in terms of finance. Manchester United were no different. Old Trafford had been bombed and virtually destroyed meaning the team were required to play their home fixtures at Manchester City’s ground between 1941 and 1949.

Matt Busby was appointed Manager of Manchester United in October 1946 following an illustrious career playing for Liverpool. Busby had a policy of youth development a tradition the club has proudly continued to this day. The name Busby Babes comes from this very trait.

It took Busby 6 years to win the championship. He took the team to 2nd place in 1946/47, 1948, 1949 and 1951 before finally landing the title in 1952. It was the hard work and determination that took this talented team to the top. Busby and Manchester United next won the title in 1956 and in 1957 with worldwide names such as Bobby Charlton and Duncan Edwards within its ranks.

In 1956 Manchester United were the first English team to compete in the European cup. The Busby Babes beat Anderlecht and Borussia Dortmund before a truly entertaining encounter with Athletico Bilbao. The Babes were 5-3 down after the first leg, but goals from Taylor, Viollet and Johnny Berry ensured an historic 6-5 win to Man Utd. The Busby Babes then went on to face Real Madrid, the giants of European football in the semi final. Sadly they could not overcome Madrid’s might and Busby’s babes went home empty handed.

Busby and his Babes qualified for the competition the year after, there was talk of a treble such was the quality of the team at the time. Unfortunately events were to take a drastic turn for the worse. Man Utd had played their home leg against Red Star Belgrade in the first leg of the quarter finals beating the team 2-1. The second leg was an entertaining affair with the scores locked at 3-3 after 90 minutes. United finally won through, the final score being 5-4 on aggregate.

This game was to be the "Babes" last as a team. They boarded flight BE609 a British European Airways "Elizabethan" class Airspeed Ambassador charter aircraft G-ALZU 'Lord Burghley'. On board were players, club officials and press representitives.

The plane stopped to refuel in Munich. Takeoff was attempted twice but had to be abborted beacause of problems with the engines. On the third attempt the plain failed to gain adequate height and crashed into a nearby house. 43 passengers died in the tragic event including players and club officials.

Busby’s generation of players that perished on this fateful night were some of the brightest talents in the game. This article is to remember their great achievements and to celebrate the ethos of the club that is Manchester United. Man Utd has proudly carried on with the tradition of encouraging youth development and if it wasn’t for Busby and his babes players such as Scholes, Beckahm, the Nevilles would not have had their chance to play at the highest level.

In rememberence of Mark Jones, David Pegg, Roger Byrne, Geoff Bent, Eddie Colman, Liam Whelan, Tommy Taylor, Walter Crickmer, Tom Curry, Bert Whalley, and Duncan Edwards who were all killed in the accident thankyou for making the club what it is today. The fans and players have dedicated this year to you and your families. A special mention goes out to Johnny Berry and Jackie Blanchflower who were injured and never played again. Matt Busby, you made Manchester United, you defined its history and you will always be remembered by supporters of the club. To the sports writers and cabin crew who lost their lives in this fatal crash we remember and thank you for your service to the team.