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Roger William Byrne (8 February 1929
– 6 February 1958), was an English footballer and a captain of
Manchester United F.C.
He was one of the eight Manchester United players that lost their
lives in the Munich air disaster on 6 February 1958. He made 33
appearances for the England team, and was captain of Manchester
United from the 1953-54 season onwards, the legendary Busby Babes
era, playing as a full-back of the traditional style, similar to a
modern day sweeper. He had previously been fielded at wing-half and
outside left and it was a testament to his versatility that, despite
being naturally right sided, he should have been a success in a
variety of positions.
Byrne was never considered the most gifted of footballers. His
tackling could be suspect and his aerial ability was described as no
better than average, but his incredible work ethic and footballing
intelligence allowed him to position himself and react to danger
swiftly. Innovatively, he was also adept at making forward runs and
joining attacks at a time when full-backs were expected only to
stand back and defend. Perhaps his best asset was his ability to
inspire players with his charismatic leadership. Even today, he is
counted among one of Manchester United's greatest captains.
| Full name |
Roger William Byrne |
| Date of birth |
8 February 1929(1929-02-08) |
| Place of birth |
Manchester, England |
| Date of death |
6 February 1958 (aged 28) |
| Place of death |
Munich, Germany |
| Height |
5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Playing position |
Full back |
|
Youth clubs |
| |
Ryder Brow Boys Club |
|
Senior clubs1 |
| Years |
Club |
App (Gls)* |
| 1949-1958 |
Manchester United |
245 (17) |
|
National team |
| 1954-1957 |
England |
33 (0) |
1 Senior club appearances and goals
counted for the domestic league only.
* Appearances (Goals) |
He gained League Championship medals in 1952, 1956 and 1957, and
was a FA Cup runner-up to Aston Villa in 1957.
Byrne was also a regular member of Walter Winterbottom's England
team during the 1950s and was expected to captain the national team
at the 1958 World Cup.
He was only 28 when he died in the Munich air disaster, and on
arriving home he would have received the news that his wife Joy was
expecting their first child. Eight months after his death, Roger's
son Roger junior was born, and during the 1970s was a ball boy at
Old Trafford.
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