Harry Gregg was arguably one of the best goalkeepers to play for Manchester United football club. Born in Northern Ireland in 1932, Gregg began his football career with Irish side Coleraine before signing for Doncaster Rovers at the start of the 1952-53 season, After establishing himself in the first team, he made a total of 94 appearances for Rovers, before signing for Manchester United in 1957, for a World record transfer fee for a goalkeeper at that time of ?23,000.
After leaving 3rd Division Doncaster Rovers to play alongside some of the biggest names in English football at that time, Harry Gregg adapted well into his new team and he made his first team debut for the Reds a few days later, when he played against Leicester City in a comfortable 4-0 victory, on December 21st, 1957.
Gregg made his first Manchester derby appearance when United play City just a week later, and he soon established himself as a regular in the team and favourite amongst the fans.
After just twelve matches for the Reds, Harry Gregg was with the team on the flight back from Belgrade after a European quarter-final match, when the plane crashed after refuelling in Munich, the disaster claimed the lives of 23 of the passengers on board the plane. Gregg survived the crash with only minor injuries, returned to the burning aircraft to help others from the wreckage. Amazingly Gregg played in Manchester United's next match two weeks later.
Harry Gregg was a major part of the team as they re-built after the Munich disaster and he went onto play for Manchester United 247 times during the nine years he spent at the club keeping a very credible 48 clean sheets while in goal. Despite this time being a very successful period for the club he failed to win any medals himself. He didn't play in the 1963 FA Cup winning team due to a shoulder injury, and injuries also meant that he didn't play enough games to qualify for a medal during the title winning season of 1964-64 and 1966-67. Gregg's only cup final appearance came in the 1958 FA Cup final when United were defeated by Bolton Wanderers.
Gregg also had a distinguished international career, with Northern Ireland, playing a total of 25 times for his country. He was also voted as the best goalkeeper during the 1958 World Cup finals.
Gregg made his last appearance for the Reds on 7 September 1966 which was a 3-0 defeat by Stoke City, he then left United to sign for Stoke, but he only ever made two appearances for the club. It is at Manchester United that he will always be remembered as a true legend
Steve Goodwin is an expert author, football fan and retailer of Manchester United football merchandise which are available from the man united shop all items are available to ship worldwide
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