Busby Babes

This week marked the sad 54^th anniversary of the Munich air disaster that sadly saw eight members of Manchester United’s team pass away.  In total 23 people passed away from the crash and 21 people were lucky to survive.  The team had just played a game in former Yugoslavia and stopped in Munich to refuel.  The captains of the plane had previously failed attempts to take off which failed.  Instead of waiting over night in Munich the captains pressed forward again in snowy conditions which prohibited the plane from taking off properly.  The plane ran off the track and into a wooded area at very high speeds.  The impact killed many instantly with many left injured.  The survivors evacuated the plane but goalkeeper Harry Gregg returned to the plane in search of surviving teammates.  The bond this team had together was so strong that they would risk their lives for each other.       

The team got their unity from iconic coach Matt Busby.  The team was dubbed as the “Busby Babes” and the name stuck for years.   He led Manchester United to its most prominent period of success during that team.  They were going for their third successive English title and they had advanced in all competitions they were involved in.  The success came with a connection the fans and the players had.  The majority of the players were home raised and the fans grew more affection.  The team was at an all time high, enjoying success and fame. 

The disaster instantly turned the team in the opposite direction.  The psychological effects of your teammates dying are hard to fathom.  Some speculated that the team would disband because they wouldn’t be able to field a full team.  Despite those rumors they rallied together and finished the season.  The season ended trophy less but the next season Busby gathered new players and created the next generation of “Busby Babes.”  Two survivors remained on the team that would be Champions of Europe in ten years.  It was a great generation of players that will always be remembered.