The Munich air crash of February 6th 1958 killed 8 members of Manchester United's Busby Babes, and seemed to be the end of the brilliant team Busby had built. Frank Taylor nearly died in the crash and during his hospitalization he wrote this book, and revised it extensively 25 years later to include all the subsequent knowledge about the crash, as well as to pay tribute to the United team that eventually won the European Cup in 1968 from the ashes of Busby's team. Even today Duncan Edwards is remembered as the greatest player England could have produced, nothing like the Busby Babes had been seen before and this revised edition pays tribute to Sir Matt Busby, who died in 1993.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.