Manchester City legend Bert Trautmann dies aged 89

[Seigfried]

I was sorry to hear this today on 5 Live radio...


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23375452

[Tom B]

Never heard of him

[Seigfried]

Never heard of him

Well you have now!

I am not really surprised on your side of the pond - however, he was a former German para and EK1 winner who went on to play in goal for Manchester City in the post-war years, not surprisingly suffering a lot of abuse after the pasting that our cities took from the Luftwaffe. He helped change our attitiudes of the Jerries and became a hero.

He played in an FA Cup Final where he repeatedly dived at the feet of strikers which resulted in a broken neck - there were no subs then and he played on for 17 minutes!

[Tom B]

Well you have now!

I am not really surprised on your side of the pond - however, he was a former German para and EK1 winner who went on to play in goal for Manchester City in the post-war years, not surprisingly suffering a lot of abuse after the pasting that our cities took from the Luftwaffe. He helped change our attitiudes of the Jerries and became a hero.

He played in an FA Cup Final where he repeatedly dived at the feet of strikers which resulted in a broken neck - there were no subs then and he played on for 17 minutes!

Thanks John ! I need to get out more ! Sounds like one tough old guy ! Tom

[PAB]

Yes he was, and as said played a big part in reconciliation of the British public and Gernans. Who were just like them. RIP a class act.

[crowback]

Bert

<FIGCAPTION> The Associated Press FILE - A May 5, 1956 photo from files of Bernd Trautmann, more commonly known as Bert, Manchester City's German-born goalkeeper, centre, being assisted from the pitch by two unidentified players, suffering from a broken neck, during the FA Cup final against Birmingham, at London's Wembley Stadium. The German football federation said Friday, July 19, 2013, that Trautmann died in La Llosa, near Valencia, Spain, where he lived. Trautmann’s wife Marlies told the federation he died Friday morning. Trautmann had suffered two heart attacks this year but appeared to have recovered well. Manchester City called Trautmann one of the club’s “greatest goalkeepers of all time and a true club legend.” (AP Photo/PA, File)

[Hoss]

On the left is Dave Ewing, right is Bill Leivers, btw Mr Leivers is still with us.

R.I.P

[Dienstuhr]

Aye, Bert became a City legend. It was his parachute training that gave him the agility to dive at the at the feet of opposing players, at that time most goalkeepers didn't really do that kind of thing.

[Hoss]

look at the crowd its all those men, everyone seeming wearing the same clothes [probably still demob suits lol!] I remember as a kid ['59-'60's] at matches a stampede getting in and worse leaving, us kids getting crushed and pushed about knocked over when the ball went into the crowd it was like a cannonball not a beachball they play with now. The players were our heroes no matter the team I was thinking across the park Sir Bobby [ManU] must spend most of his time going to funerals nowadays, its sad. My old dad first watched Man City at the Hyde road ground, a lifelong supporter.
How many of us remember bumping into a footie hero in the street and nervously asking 'MR' for an autograph..only one amongst us kids we didn't want to be rude asking for one each and it was a real sig. job more often with the players own pen not a sharpie nawt.
.

[feldpost 58]

Hi,

Several years ago a British TV documentary was produced about Bert.
About 30-40 minutes long, with interviews with him and his family. footballers etc.
It (and he) told of his pre-war life in Germany, being in the HJ, and subsequent time as a Fallschirmjager.
His capture and imprisonment, and his POW time in the UK, before his football career.
MUST be on YouTube somewhere!

Best wishes,

John.