And like Blanchflower, severe head injuries meant he was never able to play again.Berry was also kicked out of club accommodation and so moved back to Aldershot to open a sportswear business with brother Peter, who used to play for Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace.He became the first surviving player of the air disaster to die when he passed away after a short illness in September 1994, aged 68.Twenty-three people were killed when the plane crashed as it took off in the snow - the third attempt captain James Thain had made to get airborne.Of the nine United players to survive the crash, only two are still alive: Bobby Charlton, who is now 80-years-old and a club ambassador; and goalkeeper Harry Gregg, 85.
Sixty years ago today, the sporting world was stunned by news that eight of Manchester United's iconic Busby Babes had died in a plane crash in Munich. Man United players among victims of plane crash A British European Airways flight crashes just after takeoff from the Munich Airport. He ran a sweets shop and then worked with a bookmaker, but would find true post-football success as an after-dinner speaker.The Old Trafford faithful have been blessed with some incredible wingers down the years, from George Best and Ryan Giggs to David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.Three of those men wore United's iconic number seven shirt, like Chilean Alexis Sanchez now, but Johnny Berry wore it before them all.Signed from Birmingham City for £25,000 in 1951, Berry helped the Reds to the championship in his first season, scoring six goals in the process. He even had a go in goal that year, when keeper Ray Wood was forced off injured in an FA Cup final defeat to Everton.Blanchflower had made 117 appearances for United when he travelled with the squad as a reserve for a European Cup tie against Red Star Belgrade - the fixture from which the team were travelling back when the air disaster happened.In the aftermath, there was hope he would be able to continue a career that had seen him lift two league titles and score 27 goals, but his injuries proved too severe. Munich Air Disaster: The survivors who never played again
Sixty years ago today, the sporting world was stunned by news that eight of Manchester United's iconic Busby Babes had died in a plane crash in Munich.Duncan Edwards - tipped to become one United and England's greatest ever players - and captain Roger Byrne were among the players killed on the afternoon of 6 February 1958, along with several journalists and coaching staff, a club official, a steward, a supporter, a travel agent and the co-pilot.Some of those fortunate to escape with their lives went on to become some of the most successful figures in the history of Old Trafford, from manager Matt Busby to former record scorer Bobby Charlton, while the likes of Albert Scanlon and Dennis Viollet also continued their careers at the top.But two in that talented squad who did survive the tragedy were never able to play again.Born in Belfast in March 1933, Blanchflower had only just turned 25 when tragedy struck on the slush-covered runway at Munich-Riem Airport.The Northern Ireland international - younger brother of Tottenham Hotspur skipper Danny - had made his debut for United in November 1951 against rivals Liverpool as part of a back four, but he became well known at Old Trafford for his versatility.In the 1953/54 season he made his name in a more forward role and won his first cap for his country, only to become a centre-back by the time the 1956/57 campaign came round.
For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click Comments are subject to our community guidelines, which can be viewed The wreckage of Manchester United's plane following crash in Munich in 1958 David Pegg and Liam 'Billy' Whelan among players who died at Munich Eight Manchester United players and 23 people in all died at Munich air disaster The Busby Babes' final line-up before tragic plane crash on February 6, 1958 Old Trafford clock is stopped at 3:04 to mark time crash took place
Here's the lowdown...United were travelling back from a European Cup tie in Belgrade in February 1958 when the plane they were travelling in veered off the runway at taking off at Munich airport after a refuelling stop.On the third take-off attempt, the pilots lost control due to the slush on the runway.It crashed through a fence and into a farm house nearby.Part of the aircraft’s tail was torn off and the fuel caused an internal explosion - with those sat at its rear the first victims.Eight players lost their lives - including 21-year-old Duncan Edwards, who had finished third in the Ballon d’Or standings the previous year.Among the 21 survivors were eight Manchester United players and manager Matt Busby.Goalkeeper Harry Gregg escaped unharmed and returned to pull stricken passengers from the wreckage - including a pregnant woman and her baby daughter.Manager Sir Matt was twice read his Last Rites while gravely injured in a Munich hospital - before making a miraculous recovery and leading club to European Cup glory just ten years later.Bobby Charlton went on to become England and Manchester United's record goalscorer, until he was eclipsed by Wayne Rooney.The clock at Old Trafford remains permanently frozen at 3:04pm, the time of the crash.