The Day a Team Died

by Frank Taylor

Written by the only journalist aboard the plane to survive the disaster, The Day a Team Died is the definitive, firsthand account of the crash that killed eight members of one of the greatest Manchester United teams in history. On February 6, 1958, a plane carrying the so-called Busby Babes—named for manager Matt Busby—attempted to take off from a slush-covered runway in Munich following a European Cup match; the plane failed to lift off, careened off the runway, and crashed into a nearby house, killing 23 passengers. In this retelling of the harrowing experience, Frank Taylor recalls the events leading up to the disaster, the moment of the crash, and its appalling aftermath, as well as the flowering of this youthful, talented team and its rebuilding following the tragedy. Essential reading for all soccer fans, this compelling, eyewitness account features recollections from players who survived—including the revered Duncan Edwards who died 15 days after the c

Genres: Football, Sports, History

194 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that relives the Munich Air disaster and the aftermath.
It is written by the only journalist to survive the plane crash and makes very emotional reading.

[Book-shelf Shelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed account of the plane crash that wiped out most of Manchester United in 1958. Frank Taylor was on the plane along with Bobby Charlton and Sir Matt Busby, the 3 survivors. Bobby Charlton is still a huge character in football now. But not only was it the football team who lost people, the news industry did and personally i think this has to go down as a national disaster.
Frank gives an honest account of things that happened that day and the time after, the feelings of seeing friends and fellow passengers lives taken so suddenly, the aftermath of trying to heal yourself when in mourning for other. The rise of the new Manchester United, filling the boots of those that had been lost. A book that is not only part of Manchester United's history but also a part of our history as a nation!

[Darla Ebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

A painful but compassionately written story of the plane crash that took out a winning team. Anyone could conclude the author was still suffering anguish and regret. It is a kind of a guilt that takes captive the survivor of any disaster. This is a compelling story that forever reminds us of the loss of dear sons and loving fathers. I am somewhat haunted by this book but would highly recommend it.

[Chris barty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I read it sooner

Frank Taylor was my great uncle on my mother's side. I had the pleasure of meeting him once on my grandma's 70th birthday many years ago.. He was a nice genuine bloke and not once spoke about the crash. I did joke in asking for a man United ticket....but he didn't he take me seriously.
A very interesting read and would urge any football supporter of any team to read this book of any age.

[Moza Adidharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frank told us the stories from first-person's point of view, although there are some facts that contradict with other victim's confession (Harry Gregg)

[Moza Adidharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book is quiet contradictive with Harry's Game and give us another POV on the Munich Disaster

[Diana180]

Gripping eyewitness account of plane crash that took down Manchester United in 1958, by a reporter who survived it. Equally interesting is the commentary on ManU's coach Matt Busby and his ambitions to compete in Europe, where players danced instead of tackling.

[Max Balch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book! It’s really gripping, interesting and sad. Great for any fan of Man United! This book felt like it took me a while to read, but it was definitely worth it.