After colliding with Birmingham's Peter Murphy, Bert was knocked out, but continued to play, dazed with a broken neck!Bert Trautmann was a German prisoner of war, who refused repatriation and remained in England. His talent was recognised and he was signed to Manchester City where he played from 1949 to 1964. There were initial protests about a German playing for an English team, but Trautmann gained respect and growing support through his skilful playing and gentlemanly character, on and off the pitch. In 1956, he played in the FA Cup Final at Wembley, which pitched Manchester City against Birmingham. After 75 minutes, he was injured after diving at the feet of Birmingham City's Peter Murphy. He continued to play, preserving his team's 3-1 lead. His neck was noticeably crooked as he collected his winner's medal and he looked awkward at the after-game banquet, a fact remarked on by Prince Philip. Bert was x-rayed 3 days later, to reveal that his neck was broken. He was very lucky not to have been killed.
Comments
Mr Trautmann had a caravan on the same site as my grandad; Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey. He always had time for us kids and would happily kick a football around with us. As kids did in the '50s, we'd sometimes play cowboys and indians with our toy guns. A game we learned not to play around Mr Trautmann's caraven. He could not abide guns in any form. He was and I'm sure still is, a lovely man. Personally, I have no interest in football but I'm proud to have once known him as an ordinary man. An English gentleman born in a foreign land.