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On Thursday 6 February 1958, an aeroplane carrying the legendary Busby Babes back from Belgrade crashed in a blizzard after re-fuelling at Munich airport.

Eight Manchester United players were killed along with eight newspaper journalists and seven staff and crew out of a total of 44 passengers. The untimely death of such talented young sportsmen - the cream of the crop of British football in the 1950s - seemed to remind everyone of their own mortality.

In the aftermath, Manchester was a city in mourning. Indeed, the tragedy stunned the entire nation and etched itself into the memory of all those who were alive at the time.

Your memories

Bob Badrick, New Zealand

I was sitting outside by a Tea (chai) tent with a group of other servicemen in Episkopi CyprusÌý when we heard the news. I had met Eddie Coleman when he was doing his National Service at Callowgate Camp Richmond Yorks. The loss of those young players was the greatest loss to British Football ever, and I always think even now what if and we will never know. God Bless them and I will never forget this tragedy Rest in Peace.

David Ashton, Brianconnet, France

I was a schoolboy, coming up to my 17th birthday at the time at Xaverian College M/C ---not far from the other mob --CITY. I lived in Glossop & travelled to Wilmslow Rd each day. It was a great shock, a uk team doing well after the Hungarian fiasco.

Barbara Walker, California

I grew up in Edgeley Stockport. From the age of 6 my Father took me to every County game. He worked at Henrey's in Piccadilly I remember the night he came home with the MEN [we got the Cron Delivered] I still have it. He took me to Old Trafford that night through a silent Manchester and to Southern Cemerty the day of the funerals. I had no clue what an impact it would have on me. I became "a RED" the day David Herd signed for them. Happy times. A young girl in the Stretford End. Wife and Mother and still the Stretford End even now as I return the first place I go to is Old Trafford the emotion gets to me by the mere thought. My grandsons stand in awe as I sing along with the chants while we watch the games live here .....

David Evans (Foxy), Telford

I am watching the service from Old Trafford and my eyes are full of tears, although I am 61 years old. I have been a United supporter since the Busby Babes. I hope to go to Old Trafford this week to pay my respects. May all them that lost their lives rest in peace.

Ray Coxon, York

I am a lifetime Newcastle United supporter but still remember the sadness and memories from 6th Feb 1958. I was 14 and had just returned from school when I heard the news, I spent most of the night in my bedroom where I had many photos of Man Utd players on my wall, I think they were mostly taken from Charlie Buchans Football Monthly. My favourites were Eddie Colman and Duncan Edwards but I had also a great respect for the rest of the players.Ìý The first match I attended at Newcastle was in 1953 so I was privileged to see the Man Utd team for the next few years before Munich. I still get a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat when I think of Munich, today especially. May they all Rest in Peace.

Elizabeth Windridge, Northallerton

I was 14 at the time and my father was the Lord Mayor of Manchester's Secretary. The mood as I came home from school on the train was sombre. My father came home very late that evening and was very busy after that. Our phone kept ringing. Later the chief surgeon, Georg Maurerand his wife Monika, of the Rechts der Isar Hospital were given a reception at the Town Hall. His daughters were about my age and came to stay with us later that year - the younger one twice. The Press turned up at my school to take photos of us. I then spent a month with the family in Italy. They were really kind and gentle people. That Easter I was on a school trip to Munich - planned before the disaster - and Frau Maurer who was also a doctor arranged for us to go and see Matt Busby in his hospital bed. It was a sad time for Manchester and I still have very vivid memories of it all

Steve Winder, Heywood

I was a lad of 7 when it happened. I can remember seeing loads of people crying. grown men sobbing! It was akin that time to when Diana died, the public mood was so similar.

Christina Sinclair, Manchester

My Great Grandmother Mary McGowan was a passionate Manchester United fan. At the age of 86, she was so traumatised by the events at Munich, she passed away the following day. In loving memory of all who died and those who were affected.

G Seddon, Warrington

My Dad told me the news at tea time and I remember vividly my whole evening was spent in shock. I loved United at that time, I think all little kids of 8 did.ÌýNext morning in school we gathered in assembly and our Headmaster spoke of the tragedy. Kids were crying as we sang the Hymm "In sunny days when all is bright - when friends are near and hearts are light" The names of the lads are etched in my mind. Often these days if I'm in Manchester I detour to Old Trafford and stop in front of the memorial plaque and pay my respects and remember them.
Liverpool became my team as I grew up, but I still acknowledge the greatness of Man U past and present.

George Carter, Whaley Bridge

I was aged 10 and we lived in Hulme at the time of the crash. We had a wireless which we didn`t use during the day it ran off an accumulator (glass/acid battery) and was conserved for night use only when Radio Luxemburg kicked in. Our next door neighbour must have had his radio on during the day, for he suddenly appeared in his doorway and announced to us kids playing in the street that Manchester United had crashed. After this the wireless was switched on and we were all glued to it listening for news bulletins. The picture in the Evening Chronicle a few days later was awful, a line of hearses coming away from Ringway. I'll never forget the image. I think this is when it struck home with me that we'd lost the team.

Although the mourning and sadness went on for weeks and probably even months a few days later it was back to business. On the Saturday the team list in the programme was left blank. We were playing Sheffield... Wednesday I think in the F.A. cup. Obviously when the programme was printed no one had any idea what the team would be. We were amongst the lucky ones for I heard later that about 10,000 had been locked out. With a patched up side consisting of some kids from the reserves who probably otherwise would have been in the shadows for the next ten years United won and succeeded in getting to Wembley again.

Jen, Brighton

I was 9 and I prayed and prayed that Duncan Edwards would live. My prayers weren't answered but, brilliantly, Man U rose again. They took our hearts. Never forgotten.

James Ifemeje, 19, Nsukka, Nigeria

It's a pity for this tragedy, I hadn't been born when this happened but following history it pained my heart so much. I am very painful because of the way they died and as a core United fan, I pray that they rest in this and let us that are alive take heart.

Helen McGuire nee Troy, Sittingbourne, Kent

My dad Thomas Troy was a very good friend of Sir Matt Busby during his years in the Irish Guards. Sir Matt was a PE instructor. We knew his family and often played with his children. I remember well how devasted dad was when we heard of that awful crash. All those wonderful young men. We have all been lifelong fans of Man United and will be thinking of them all on this anniversary as every other one.

Mary J Marsh, Stockport

Whilst looking to see if my husband was coming home from work, I found the paperboy, almost in a state of collapse at my front gate. I thought he had fallen from his bike so I went out to him, the boy was incoherent and all he could say was, my team, my team. He was holding the paper out to me, and I then saw the headlines, I was not and am still not a football supporter, but the grief of that young man will stay with me as did the sight of grown men in their hundreds crying, as they brought the victims back from Ringway Airport downÌý Brownley Rd in Wythenshawe. I stood in absolute disbelief at what as was seeing. As a nurse I was used to tragedy, but this broke my heart.

RogerÌýWickins, Northwich

I was at school in London and had been introduced to Manchester United by John Brown, my school friend at the time.Ìý At the afternoon break we went for a walk in King St. Hammersmith.Ìý We were walking past a Rumbelows TV shop and saw the news on the TVs in the window.Ìý I remember feeling physically sick and wanted to cry.Ìý My father had died in 1953 when I was only 13 and this news reawakened all my grief. We listened to the radio every day for news of those survivors who were fighting for their lives hoping and praying for them.Ìý John and I went to see United play in the FA cup semi final, at White Hart Lane, but it was a hollow feeling.

Graham McGuire, Hexham

From 1954 to 1958 (aged 8-12) I was a permanent mascot to the club, in that I was, during that time invited to sit on the trainers bench with the late Tom Curry, and got to know the players and management extremely well. This was especially the case when players were injured and, when time allowed, visited and engaged in the dressing room areas. (A recent article and photograph of Bobby Charlton in the Liverpool programme shows my standing by the dug out- enclosed). The invitation came about via a family attachment between Tom and my Father, who in fact, played for United as a youth, and worked on projects for the club during the early 50’s. I remain a season ticket holder (2 tickets), this is now our 54th year as a fan, and despite now travelling from Hexham, continue to support the greatest Football Club in the world.

David Kay, Gloucester

I was seven years old at the time and had just returned back to the UK after living in Malaya with my parents (my father was in the Army). I knew nothing about English football then, and this tragic incident was the first thing I heard about when we arrived home. Although a southerner this became "my team" and has been for 50 years through thick and thin. I am red, always have been, always will be, and make no excuses to anyone about my loyalties. Long may all those who so tragically died be remembered by all true football fans, regardless of what team they support.

Mary Atherton, Sale

I vividly remember the day of the Munich Disaster.Ìý I was nine years old and my family had moved from Kings Road in Stretford, just a walk from Manchester United's ground, to Sale.Ìý One of my older sisters had a friend who was engaged to David Pegg and my family were Manchester United supporters.Ìý At around teatime my sister came home from work in a very distressed state.Ìý She had just heard about the disastrous air crash and we immediately switched the radio on and we all gathered around it to listen to details of the tragedy.Ìý We all cried for hours.Ìý I now have two grown up sons who have been keen loyal Man United fans since they were very small.Ìý One of my sons is a Ryan Giggs look-a-like.Ìý In fact when my 4 year Grandson was 2 years old we took him into the Man United shop to buy him a strip and he saw a Ryan Giggs doll and immediately said "Daddy".Ìý The doll looked more like my son than Ryan Giggs.Ìý Of course we had to buy it and my Grandson takes it to bed with him every night.Ìý All my family will be feeling emotional today on the anniversary of Munich, especially my sons.

Alan Fournier, London

A broken heart, a broken dream, a broken plane a broken team, no words were said a silent vow, we loved you then we love you now. The red flag will always fly, for Man Utd will never die. never to be forgotten. 6th Feb 1958

David Ransley, Bollington

What had started off as a happy day for me in Manchester ended just as it had exactly six years before on my 19th birthday when the king died on 6th February 1952. Once again turned to sadness when I heard the dreadful news of the Munich crash and the death of all those United players and other people. My birthday never passes without me being reminded of the tragedy.

Elizabeth Higgins, Manchester

I recall exactly what I was doing at the time of the disaster. I was 10 years old and had broken my hand but I had to sit an exam at St Augustine's school. My teacher Miss lynch had to write the answers on my behalf. I had a massive crush on 'the tank'Duncan Edwards and I recall being so distraught I ran from the class crying when I heard the news. My family were devastated at the tragedy and it felt like a personal loss. It's a moment in my like I will never forget. God Bless them..... Liz Higgins (McCormick)

Saleh, Muscat, Oman

I would like to commemorate with you. God bless them.

Chris Tofalos, Bolton

My father, Costas, ran a nightclub and restaurant in Manchester and many of the players were regulars there. He was a big football fan and at one stage had season tickets for both City and United.

I can still see him stood in the dining room when I got home from school. He told me about the crash and was visibly shaken. It was the one of the lowest moments of his life.

Roger Fermor, Tonbridge, Kent

My dad was a good footballer and missed his big opportunity to trial when he contacted glandular fever. I never saw him play but everyone I spoke to after his death remarked at what a player he had been and I was constantly asked how he never became a professional. He kept his love of the sport and took me to 'Schoolboy Internationals' at Wembley. How he sang the praises of the Busby Babes.
ÌýÌý Though not a United supporter himself, he took me to Spurs v United in 1956 so that I could see these wonderful players. I was mesmerised by what I saw, though I think United lost 2-1. The first Big Match I'd attended with all that talent on show was just so amazing to a young sprog 8yrs old. I remembered him saying "That's the future of English football out there, boy. Watch and learn".
ÌýÌý I never inherited his skills on the pitch, just his love of the game. The evening after the crash he was clearly very upset and when he spoke to me about it - that was the only time I ever saw him cry. I was devastated. How could such a thing happen? Life was so unfair! Writing this makes me cry now. Sad for them, sad for him.Ìý
ÌýÌý Watching that team and then following Bobby Charlton converted me, a 'Southern Softie' to the RED cause. In memory of my dad, I will pray for those lost souls today. God bless 'em all.

Les Thomason, Tripoli, Libya

I remember the day well, I was 7 years old. Events unfolding on the tiny screen of our black and white TV. A terrible tragedy that will be remembered this week especially. Some of the players who died would have been England regulars for years to come. Duncan would have been England captain for many years. Backroom staff, journalists and crew also died and should be remembered. Captain Thain for many years blamed for the crash, and later rightly cleared, died young, probably as a result of the grief and guilt associated with the tragedy. I will be in Tripoli on Feb 6th and for the United-City game but I will have a minutes silence and remember the Busby Babes. I am a season ticket holder still and love the present team but I will never forget our heritage and loss.

Peter Ascott, Altrincham

I was almost 9 years old and remember the day so clearly. Having returned home from my Grandads funeral we heard the news via Â鶹Éç television, being one of the few houses in the road to have a TV. It was a day of complete mixed emotions with obviously grief for my grandad and with the family being Man Utd fans, all the people who lost their lives in the Aircraft crash. It is day that is still so clearly etched in my mind.

Jennifer Hannah, Cambridge

I was born in Salford.Ìý I was 11 at the time and my older sister had been going to Old Trafford for about 18 months - she idolised Bobby Charlton and Roger Byrne (still does). I remember the whole family sitting listening to the Â鶹Éç news on the radio and later watching it on TV. The following season I started to go to Old Trafford - standing below C Stand and over the next 6 years saw the new Man U team emerge.

I never saw the Busby Babes play but it was on this day 50 years ago I became a "Red" and am still as avid a fan today.

Dot Webber, Weston-Super-Mare

I grew up with the Busby Babes. In 1953, my first 'job' aged 8,Ìý was to store bicycles in the back yard of the last terraced house, next to the ground. I stuck a raffle ticket on the saddle and the corresponding one was given to the owner of the bike. I don't remember how much was paid to the house owner but I used to get into the match FREE. I had to leave just before the final whistle ready to return the bikes, Oh! how I remember the roar and disappointment if I missed a last minute goal. These days it would be a very unusual job for a girl to do, as for going into the match alone, it probably would not be allowed. Our family moved to Partington in 1955 but I have always remained a fan.Ìý I remember being in the playground at Sale Moor Secondary School when we heard the news in lunch break, most of us were crying and not much work got done that afternoon. The ride home on the school bus was very subdued.Ìý Memories of a wonderful team that will stay with me forever.

Jim Cummings, Owen Sound, Canada

I was 14 years old living in BelfastÌý back in 1958. I heard the news of the Munich aircrash when I got home from school. I still remember how shocked I was with the news.

Just a fewÌý weeks before I had seen Duncan Edwards play in BelfastÌý for theÌý England under 23 team against Northern Ireland , what a footballer he was, I'm sure that without a doubt if he had lived he would have developed into the greatest player ever.
My thoughts also were with Northern Ireland Internationals Harry Gregg and Jackie Blanchflower especially Jackie as he lay for weeks in hospital recovering from severe adominal injuries ( never to play again). Who will ever forget him taking over in goal for the injured Ray Wood in the 1957 FA Cup Final against Aston Villa ( no subs in those days)

Victor Isaacs, Bury

As a 14 year old boy, I first heard of the United crash when coming home, my mother was complaining that Mrs Dale's diary was not on, and some football team had an accident.

That team was United. Next day at Stand Grammar in Whitefield the school was half empty, so much so we were sent home mid-morning. Manchester was in mourning, and I spent the rest of the day praying for the team in synagogue.

John Poulter, Toronto

I was born in Rochdale and was 4 and a half years old in Feb/58 when I remember the "big kids" coming home from school sayingÌý to each other "did you hear what happened?".Ìý One of the first things I actually remember in my life.Ìý My Dad was a big Utd fan and I remember him sitting me down after dinner and explaining it to me.Ìý It has lived with me to this day.Ìý Duncan Edwards was his favourite player, so the worst was still two weeks away for my Dad.Ìý He always said that if alive, Edwards would have been wearing the no. 6 shirt and raising the World Cup in '66 if he had been alive. I only saw my father cry twice....Feb 6/58 and a day or two before he died when he was in pain from cancer. To this day, I will not get on a plane on Feb 6, and still feel uneasy when on a plane in the winter and they announce that they are de-icing.Ìý Some things just don't go away.

Fred Hurd, Greifswald, Germany

I was 7, lived in Sussex and followed Brighton.Ìý I remember waiting for the medical reports every morning before going to school.Ìý I remember the morning Duncan Edwards died and people crying.Ìý

After that it seemed only natural to follow United.Ìý I stood in a lot of stadiums and watched United for many years. Today I live in Germany and lived for 7 years in Munich regularly flying from the old Riem airport where crash happened and every time thinking of those who died. tomorrow I will drive to Munich for my job and around 3:00 will stop and say a little pray for them all and those that follow in their footsteps and hope we can honour their passing.

May they rest in peace.

Maria Swift, Preston

I was 14 at the time and had been playing out with friends, I went home and my dad told me that his cousin, Frank Swift, had been killed in the munich air disaster, he was originally a goalkeeper for Manchester City and England who later became a reporter for the News of the World and was killed on that flight on that tragic day.

Steve Gort, Buxton

My Uncle (Bernard Sharp, currently living in Shaw Heath, Stockport) was the chauffeur and dear friend of Willie Satinoff (Racecourse owner/ Entrepeneur and good friend of Matt Busby). He was waiting to collect Mr Satinoff at Ringway (Manchester Airport) when the disaster was transmitted over the tannoys. A most unfortunate, and perhaps preventable accident.

John Cooper, Oswestry

In Feb 1958 I was a boy of 9 years old living in Middleton. I was in the cubs at the time and on the Thursday evening when I arrived at the scout hut, one of my friends Robert Fuller told me that Eddie Colman was his cousin, although if I remember correctly his death had not been confirmed. We as a group of cubs were probably too young to understand the enormity of what had happened & continued with our cub meeting almost as normal. I suppose this was maybe a reflection of the stoicism of the British people at the time, bearing in mind that is was only 13 years after the end of the second World War. Also, I think it is sometimes forgotten the impact the disaster had on the England footbal team, with Byrne, Edwards & Taylor providing the spine of the team, with Colman, Charlton, Violett and Pegg likely to be capped. The chance of England winning the 1958 World Cup were much reduced by the disaster, so who knows what might have happened?

Anne Hampson, Manchester

I was coming through Manchester on my way home from work, I was 20 years of age, and bought the MEN each evening from a man who always stood outside the Grosvenor Hotel (on the corner of Victoria Bus Station and Deansgate). The Hotel was demolished later on.Ìý Then I read the tragic headlines of the loss of a great bunch ofÌý lads (never to be forgotten) I cried all the way home.

Ray Stout, Atherton

I can remember vividly the night Man U played the home leg of the Match against Red Star, as my Dad was one of the Press Photographers at that Match. I was ten and had just came back from Cubs, and was due to have a bath before bed when my mum said to wait to see if my dad would be seen on the T.V. as the match finished. Sure enough, he was filmed going down the tunnel at the end of the match. On the away games, the papers had to depend on "agency" photos, and my dad had persuaded 3 different papers to share expenses to allow him to go to Belgrade. He didn't get there because, whilst drawing the curtains in the bathroom, my mum had to stand on the edge of the bath, overbalanced, and put her arm through the window, severing most of the tendons and Bood vessels. My dad had to look after me, and gave his seat up to theÌý Daily Mail Photographer, Peter Howard, who along with Frank Taylor were the only Pressmen to survive the crash. Most people forget just how much of a blow the crash was to the Press Community, leaving virtually no well known Football Reporters in the North.

Anton Tungate, Bury St.Edmunds

I was only nine at the time of the crash and I started supporting Manchester United at that point. Yes I'm one of those much derided "southern" supporters but I've stuck with them ever since.Ìý My mother was Lancastrian and a Man U supporter but that was not an influence at the time. I did not realise until I watched a TV film of non football supporters how devastated everyone in our country was by the disaster. I realised then that what influenced me to start supporting Man U was their need at the time for my support.Ìý It still brings tears to my eyes now typing this and thinking of all those young hopes dashed, but let's not forget that a number of other people died too and how their relatives must feel each time this tragedy is remembered again.

Cass Cassidy, Masterton, New Zealand

When the news came through I was working at Kendall & Gents engineering works in Gorton, and work stopped in very short order.Ìý There would have been plenty of City supporters there, as well as a few who evinced no interest in football, but it affected them all in the same way.ÌýA sort of shell-shocked silence ensued.

That evening my sister, Vera, told us how she'd reacted to the news.Ìý She worked in town at Thompson & Co in the Corn Exchange buildings, Hanging Ditch, and they had downed tools and sat talking quietly.Ìý However, across the way was a building site, and very obviously the workmen hadn't heard the news and were continuing as normal.

So Vera and her mates grabbed a pile of typing paper, and began drawing very large letters on each sheet.Ìý Then they managed to attract the building worker's attention, and began to hold one sheet at a time against the window ...Ìý U, N, I, T, E, D, P, L ,A, N, E, C, R, A, S, H until the message was sent, and work had stopped over the road too.

Mike Farrow, Beckenham

I was an eight year old when this tragedy happened although not a Man U supporter, football was the most important thing in my life and when I found out about it, my mother had to keep me off of school for a week, because I just couldn't stop crying.
Bobby Charlton was a youngster at the time, but losing the likes of Tommy Taylor, Roger Byrne, David Pegg, Duncan Edwards and all the other players, I think Jackie Blanchflower, Danny's brother was crippled for life. It was amazing how they carried on and got to the Cup Final that year with a tremendous number of new players. I know it is 50 years tomorrow, but I have thought about every February 6th since it happened. It is one of those things that change your life.Ìý

T. Balcerski, Bury

Although I have always supported Liverpool , in those days United were my "second team". I was only 10 and I had not seen the previous night's news when I came downstairs in the morning & read the paper, I burst into tears. My godfather, who lived in Manchester, took me to Old Trafford once in the Autumn of 1957, I don't even remember whom United were playing against, but this wing half who seemed to be the only player on the pitch. Duncan Edwards was a giant amongst dwarves, he seemed to be involved in everything, wanted to be involved. Liverpool were in the 2nd Division then & I thought "Wish we had him".

Tom Chamley, Manchester

I was born just a few weeks after the Munich air crash that took away some of the best players ever to play for Manchester United, I have the honour of being named after two of them, So come February 6th 2008 marking '50 Unforgotten Years' it will be a very special time for 'All football fans' not just Manchester United's. These lads lit up the game and back then there was No anamosity, No Ill feeling against rival fans, Just 'Respect' going to the game and Enjoying it. The Busby Babes made sure you enjoyed the game and you went home with a smile on your face. Even today, fans around the World remember 'Febraury 6th 1958'. And lets not forget those others that also lost their lives on that tragic day. God Bless them All.

Tony Charters, Frankfort, Kentucky

I still remember that fateful day as vividly as if it were yesterday. The unforgettable day occurred less than a week before my sixteenth birthday and only five days after I had stood on the terraces at Highbury and watched the greatest team in the land defeat a talented Arsenal side in a 5 - 4 thriller. I could not have been happier as, for the first time in my life, I went behind the stadium after the game to watch my team board their bus before leaving to drive back to Manchester. I was there just a few feet away from all the players, congratulating them on their performance and wishing them well for their trip to Belgrade.Ìý When I got home from school that tragic Thursday afternoon, I was met by my mother who asked if I had heard the news.Ìý "What news?", I asked. The rest of that afternoon was a blur of voices and tears. My idol, Duncan Edwards, and some of England's best footballers had been killed in their prime. I was devastated and I remember my best friend, John, taking me to the cinema that Friday evening to console me - I had cried almost incessantly from the moment I heard the news. I don't recall the name of the film we went to see....just that it was snowing that day.Ìý John loved the cinema. Although I really loved watching Tommy Taylor - what a great centre forward he was - my idol was left half, Duncan Edwards.Ìý He has never been far from my thoughts nor my heart since......for I named my son after him in honour of his greatness and the style he brought to both Manchester United and England's national team. I still treasure the newspaper clippings of that dreadful day, although they are brown and slightly faded.Ìý And, when I can bear it, I bring them out and read them and Frank Taylor's book "The Day A Team Died".Ìý I will take my memories and love for those who died, as well as those who came after them, to my grave.

Fr. Bernard McDermott, Melbourne

I remember standing on bus on way home from school and a man jumped on at Stretford and told us that the United plane had crashed at Munich. What a shock ..the only time I saw my father cry that night as we listenend to the radio at home as the news came in from Germany. Never to be forgotten... especially Duncan Edwards (The Tank) and all who died that day. May They all Rest in Peace.

Barbara Heaton, Hollingworth

I was in bed ill with tonsillitis my father shouted up the stairs United's Planes crashed it was frustrating my Mum wouldnt let me get out of bed no TVs or radios in bedroom than, we were devastated at 14 me and my friend Hilary would stand behind the goals at Old Trafford most Saturdays never any trouble all behaved themselves, my claim to fame is being knocked out by the ball, and I never knew who kicked it.

Sim Goldblum, Manchester

I was 11 and a regular home game attendee since the age of 5; I heard the news with disbelief that evening. Crying my eyes out, my mother said without hesitation or regret "you'll never cry over me as you are over this team". She's still alive at 85 but the death of Duncan in particular was very hard to take - even then a brilliant footballer.Ìý The next, so vital memory is from the Sheffield Wednesday game - a blank team sheet in the programme, a packed crowd, standing behind the goal with my father and being passed down over the heads of the adults so I wouldn't get crushed. It's a sequence of events whose images are burnt into my consciousness, which still brings tears to my eyes and yet allows me to glory in the team's achievements over so many years.

Graham Jackson, Tisdale

On Feb 6th 1958 I was delivering evening papers along Barton Lane in Eccles and as usual was reading the Manchester Evening News Stop Press which always carried any late news before the paper was delivered to the newsagents. About halfway down the list I came across the news of the disaster. I remember seeing a friend across the street and yelled at him to come and have a look. Soon i was surrounded by a large crowd of men all wanting to see the news for themselves. Needless to say the rest of my paper round was done at breakneck speed and I spent the rest of the evening watching the TV and listening to the radio for any bit of news.When it came time for the funerals most of the boys in my class at St Andrews School in Eccles attended Eddie Colmans In Salford the crowd was huge,it's something i've never forgotten.

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