24 - A legend remembered – 50 years on

 

The event on February 21 will be held at Duncan’s statue in Market Place, Dudley from 11am. The short service will be led by the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor David Stanley and Rev Geoff Johnston from St Francis’ Church, Laurel Road which was Duncan’s parish church. Other civic dignitaries and the public will also pay their respects at the service.

 

The former Manchester United and England star was one of 23 people to die following the Munich Air Disaster on February 6 1958. Edwards died 15 days later on February 21 and was one of eight Manchester United players to lose their lives in the accident.

 

Edwards was born in Dudley on October 1 1936 and throughout his short life spoke of his pride at being an ambassador for the town wherever his football career took him.

“Duncan will always be remembered by people in Dudley as well those further afield across the country and indeed the world. We hope people will come along to pay their respects to a true Dudley legend at this short service to celebrate his life.”

Meanwhile Councillor Stanley opened a new exhibition in honour of Edwards earlier this month. The exhibition, Dudley Museum and Art Gallery, includes photos of Edwards, press cuttings from the time, his sports shirts and England caps.

The exhibition ‘Duncan Edwards 50 Years On’ runs until 24 May and is the forerunner to a dedicated Duncan Edwards display space which will be opened in May.  This will be a purpose built gallery to house the museum’s extensive collection of Edwards’ memorabilia.

A further event to commemorate the life of Duncan Edwards is planned to take place in Dudley on Saturday June 7. Details of the event will be released closer to the time but will include a football tournament which will be held at Castle High School.

During his short, but illustrious career between 1952 and 1958, Edwards made 175 appearances for United, scoring 21 goals and winning two league championships. He also won 18 England caps.