I morse nåddes vi av en synnerligen ledsam nyhet. Harry Gregg har somnat in och försatt en klubb i sorg. Den tidigare målvakten, som var den näst siste spelaren i livet av de spelare som överlevde flygolyckan i München, har somnat in. Reaktionerna lät, av förklarliga skäl, inte vänta på sig.
Sir Bobby Charlton
Av spelarna som överlevde flygolyckan är Sir Bobby Charlton nu ensam i livet. Han minns förstås sin gamla lagkamrat:
Lady Norma och jag är djupt ledsna att höra om Harry Greggs bortgång. Jag var stolt att kalla honom min lagkamrat. För alla sakliga saker som Harry sa om den kvällen i München, för mig kommer han alltid bli ihågkommen som en heroisk figur.
Det är otroligt att tänka att han gick vidare och spelade i en match mot Sheffield Wednesday bara 13 dagar efter den tragiska kvällen. Ett skinande ljus på och utanför planen. Av så många anledningar förtjänar han att bli ihågkommen som ett av de största namnen i Manchester Uniteds historia.
Harry kommer att vara djupt saknad och våra tankar är hos Carolyn och hans familj under den här väldigt sorgsna tiden.
"For so many reasons, he deserves to be remembered as one of the greatest names in Manchester United’s history." ❤️
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 17, 2020
Sir Alex Ferguson
Harry Gregg fick sin testimonial i Belfast 2012, då Sir Alex Ferguson tog med sig sitt Manchester United för en match mot en elva från den nordirländska ligan. Ferguson har också uttalat sig:
Jag blev djupt ledsen över att höra om Harry Greggs bortgång.
Harry var en man med en fantastisk karaktär och en äkta legend i vår klubb. Jag kommer ihåg att han alltid var väldigt uppspelt och stolt över att vara värd för vårt ungdomslag på hans pensionat under Milk Cup varje sommar, så att han kunde återberätta historierna från hans dagar som spelare. Jag älskade hans sällskap och de många råden han gav mig.
Mina tankar och böner är med Carolyn och hans familj under den här väldigt sorgsna tiden. Gud välsigne Harry.
Uniteds hyllningsvideo
https://www.facebook.com/manchesterunited/videos/179240536737929/?v=179240536737929
Reaktioner från Unitedprofiler
It is with deepest sadness that we have learned of the passing of former player Harry Gregg OBE. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club go out to Harry’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/5kjlpn5Wqm
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 17, 2020
RIP Harry Gregg. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The #ManUtd family pic.twitter.com/3ayIli8ekY
— Mike Phelan (@Mike_Phelan_1) February 17, 2020
RIP Harry. There are no words to express your bravery both on and off the pitch. Love to all your family. pic.twitter.com/pclLyVBwt7
— Alex Stepney (@AlexStepney1) February 17, 2020
Harry Gregg RIP ❤️?
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) February 17, 2020
Huge part of the clubs history, never to be forgotten! Thank You ❤️ https://t.co/FHbL4XzIAb
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) February 17, 2020
As a 15 year old boy Harry came to visit me in hospital in Manchester to make sure I was in the right hands of Manchester United:)
What a man :) RIP— Norman Whiteside (@NormanWhiteside) February 17, 2020
A few months ago, I had the privilege of visiting Harry Gregg at his home, he showed me his astonishing collection of memorabilia. We sat in his front room and I listened to Harry’s tales, some sad, many of them joyous. I was blessed that day.
Deepest condolences to his family.— Brian McClair (@BrianMcClair13) February 17, 2020
Harry with Albert Scanlon visiting the United Youth squad at the Bushtown Hotel – the players & staff were ‘spellbound’ it looks like Harry has told the front row of future PL & internationals to ‘put their shoulders back’ – like his defense if Harry said jump…you’d better jump https://t.co/JClxRYh2OG pic.twitter.com/bDaIBgv9dw
— Paul McGuinness (@Paulmcg8) February 17, 2020
Reaktioner från fotbollsvärlden
Harry Gregg, who was voted the 1958 #WorldCup's best goalkeeper, has died at the age of 87.
A @NorthernIreland icon, Gregg is also a legend at @ManUtd and will be forever remembered for the heroism that saved several lives at the Munich Air Disaster.
Rest in peace, Harry. pic.twitter.com/GtIWk69wHU
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) February 17, 2020
? A legend of the game and a brave, selfless giant of a man. RIP, Harry Gregg #GAWA pic.twitter.com/uAfy2OcnYc
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) February 17, 2020
The thoughts of everyone at #DRFC are with the friends and family of Harry Gregg, who made 99 appearances for Rovers before being signed for Manchester United by Matt Busby in 1957 and becoming a hero of Munich. RIP, Harry. pic.twitter.com/jSgk7G0jXz
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) February 17, 2020
It is with deep sadness that Stoke City learned of the death of Harry Gregg, who had a spell with the Potters at the end of his distinguished playing career.
The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Stoke City go out to Harry’s family and friends at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/r1ATgCTucg
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) February 17, 2020
— FC United of Manchester (@FCUnitedMcr) February 17, 2020
? Everyone at the club is saddened by the death of former #Swans manager Harry Gregg.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends. ? pic.twitter.com/RvMtRUouXv
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) February 17, 2020
Supportrar och journalister
Worth considering Harry Gregg played for @ManUtd 13 days after he pulled people out of the plane. Mental courage to do that absolutely staggering.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) February 17, 2020
Harry Gregg risked his own life pulling a number of his teammates out of the burning plane as well as the pregnant wife of a Yugoslav diplomat and her two-year-old daughter. He played again 13 days later and has to be the greatest human being ever to have played for United.
— Darren Richman (@darrenrichman) February 17, 2020
Very sad to hear about the passing of a true MUFC legend.
Rest in peace, Harry. Your contribution will never be forgotten.
— Joe Ganley (@josephganley) February 17, 2020
It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of Harry Gregg – former United player, hero of Munich and also very special to us as a longstanding patron of M.U.S.T. Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Harry. pic.twitter.com/gizYAGGRsV
— M.U.S.T (@MU_ST) February 17, 2020
Heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the family/friends of ex-United player Harry Gregg. I met Harry at the @SuperCupNI last year…still plenty of spirit. When the word ‘legend’ gets thrown at anyone who’s kicked a ball these days…RIP to a true #mufc and Irish legend #harrygregg
— The MUFC Academy ? (@mrmujac) February 17, 2020
https://twitter.com/UtdBeforeFergie/status/1229347192181317632
Pulled survivors from the burning wreckage of the Munich crash, but described himself like this:
“I'm Henry Gregg, 34 Windsor Avenue, who played football. Who was useful at it on good days and rubbish at it on bad days.” RIP https://t.co/tKP5vsDf6r
— Samuel West ? (@exitthelemming) February 17, 2020
My Hero ❤ pic.twitter.com/hK3tthLyvK
— Danny Woodvine (@danwoodvine) February 17, 2020
Hero is a term easily given at times these days. Harry Gregg was a true hero on and off the pitch. He ran back into a burning plane twice to rescue the injured and played just 2 weeks later. A Red legend who”ll never be forgotten. Deepest condolences to his family. RIP Harry. pic.twitter.com/3eauc26pj5
— ISLO for Manchester United match going fans (@ISLO_MUST) February 17, 2020
Harry Gregg, gardien du Manchester United de Matt Busby, héros du désastre de Munich, s'est éteint à l'âge de 87 ans. pic.twitter.com/xKrCjBZmFy
— Philippe Auclair (@PhilippeAuclair) February 17, 2020
Deepest condolences from all United fans all over the world. A true hero and a great man. He’ll never be forgotten. Rest in peace Harry. pic.twitter.com/V1YgZSZAuP
— Ian Stirling (@Stirling061) February 17, 2020
Imagine at the age of 25 returning twice to the burning wreckage of a plane you had just escaped from to rescue people. Less than two weeks later he was playing in United's first game after the Munich Air Disaster. It's difficult to comprehend such strength of character. pic.twitter.com/4Nosg5BY2Y
— Scott Patterson (@R_o_M) February 17, 2020
Harry Gregg a United hero. Incredible heroism on the night of course, but like the other survivors he had to show bravery every day after. I doubt there was a single day that passed where he didn’t think of that day and his lost friends. pic.twitter.com/zhPuZJxgSk
— Carl Abbott (Legacy Fan) (@CarlAbbott1) February 17, 2020
Harry Gregg with Rosemary Cheverton, the stewardess who survived the crash. She said: “I will never forget Harry. He was such a brave young hero. He was incredible.” @UtdBeforeFergie @YesterdaysStars pic.twitter.com/dItARqHkS9
— Mike Pav (@CharlieBunyan) February 17, 2020
It is with deepest sadness that we have learnt of the passing of former United player Harry Gregg. As well as being a great goalkeeper, he will be remembered for his bravery, rushing to the aid of team-mates and other passengers during the Munich Air Disaster. RIP Harry Gregg
— Munich58couk (@Munich58couk) February 17, 2020
Harrys dikt
”Jag är Henry Gregg, från 34 Windsor Avenue, som spelade fotboll. Som var hygglig på det på bra dagar och bedrövlig på det på dåliga dagar,” sa Harry Gregg 2008.
”Det är det jag vill bli ihågkommen för, inte för något som hände i stundens allvar.”
Vi avslutar med Harry Greggs egen dikt.
? A poem written by former #MUFC goalkeeper Harry Gregg in tribute to his teammates who lost their lives in the 1958 Munich Air Disaster.
? The Reds legend has passed away at the age of 87. pic.twitter.com/3s7KugqfV0
— BBC Sport Manchester (@BBCRMsport) February 17, 2020