Sir Bobby Charlton described Duncan Edwards as ‘the greatest player I have ever played with and possibly the most skilful player I have ever seen.
He was the only player who made me feel inadequate. He was proud and passionate about Dudley, I know because I spent a lot of time with him over the years and he never stopped talking about Dudley, his background and the Black Country. His death was the biggest single tragedy ever to happen to Manchester United and English football’.
Introduction
England and Manchester United football legend Duncan Edwards was born on Thursday 1 October 1936 in Dudley, in the heart of the Black Country.
The big number 6, who was 5ft 10" and weighed just under 13 stone was nicknamed ‘The Tank’. He played at wing half but could also play centre half, centre forward and inside forward.
Duncan was one of the Busby Babes, the young United team formed under manager Sir Matt Busby in the late 1940s.
He was one of the eight players who tragically died from injuries sustained in the Munich air disaster on Thursday 6 February 1958. Aged just 21, Duncan died 15 days later on Friday 21 February in the Reichts der Isar Hospital in Munich.
Visitor Trail
Duncan Edwards will never be forgotten in his home town of Dudley. To help share the story of one of the country’s finest ever footballers we have created a visitor trail to show where various landmarks are located to pay tribute to Duncan. The details can be found at the bottom of this page by downloading the leaflet 'A tribute to Duncan Edwards'.
Various landmarks include a new Blue Plaque in Priory Park, Dudley dedicated to the memory of Duncan Edwards including two stained glass windows dedicated to Duncan Edwards at St Francis Church, Dudley. Duncan Edwards grave in Dudley Cemetery, Duncan Edwards Statue in Dudley Town Centre, Duncan Edwards Games Area in Priory Park, Dudley, Duncan Edwards Close and Duncan Edwards Way.
Further Information
There are numerous press cuttings featuring Duncan and you can see several copies of rare books about Duncan plus his own book of footballing hints. Please telephone Dudley Archives and Local History Centre in advance of your visit to arrange to view these items.
Refreshments, toilet facilities and car parking
In Dudley town centre, there are several places to eat and drink, including toilet facilities and public pay and display car parking available.
www.dudley.gov.uk/residents/parking-and-roads/parking-in-dudley/
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Further information on Duncan Edwards can be found at:
Dudley Archives and Local History Centre,
Tipton Road,
Dudley,
DY1 4SQ.
Telephone: 01384 812770 or visit www.dudley.gov.uk/archives
