Northern Ireland

Harry Gregg remembered as 'fantastic goalkeeper and incredible human being'

Harry Gregg, pictured at his Co Derry home in 2008, died on Sunday. Picture by Paul Faith/PA Wire
Harry Gregg, pictured at his Co Derry home in 2008, died on Sunday. Picture by Paul Faith/PA Wire

HARRY Gregg was last night remembered as a "fantastic goalkeeper but more importantly an incredible human being" following his death aged 87.

Tributes have poured in for the Manchester United and Northern Ireland legend since news broke of his death on Sunday.

Originally from Magherafelt, Gregg became known as the 'Hero of Munich' after pulling passengers from the burning wreckage of a 1958 air crash which claimed the lives of 23 people.

He twice returned to the fuselage to drag strangers and Manchester United team-mates, including Bobby Charlton and Dennis Viollet, to safety.

Charlton last night led tributes to Gregg, telling how he was "proud to call him a team-mate".

"For all the matter of fact things Harry said about that night in Munich, for me he will always be remembered as a heroic figure," he said.

"It's incredible to think that he went on to play in a match against Sheffield Wednesday just 13 days after that tragic night.

"A shining light both on and off the pitch. For so many reasons, he deserves to be remembered as one of the greatest names in Manchester United's history."

Gregg's death on Sunday was announced by his foundation, which said he "passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his loving family".

"To everyone who has called, visited or sent well wishes we thank you for the love and respect shown to Harry and the family," it said.

"Details of his funeral arrangement will be issued in the next few days. We would ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this difficult time. Never to be forgotten."

Gregg became the world's most expensive goalkeeper when United, and Sir Matt Busby, shelled out £23,000 in 1957.

He was voted the best keeper at the World Cup after appearing for Northern Ireland a year later.

The Co Derry man spent nine years at Old Trafford and, although he never won a medal with the club - injury having ruled him out of the 1963 FA Cup final and restricted his appearances in two title-winning campaigns - an unforgettable career was forged.

He eventually left the Red Devils for Stoke before embarking on a managerial career at Shrewsbury, Swansea, Crewe and Carlisle.

He also won 25 caps for Northern Ireland.

Former Northern Ireland manager and Manchester United player Sammy McIlroy said Gregg was "brave as a lion off the field as well".

"He was always there for advice and help," he said.

"I'll never forget him. He was a fantastic character."

Sir Alex Ferguson, who took his United team to play in Gregg's testimonial in Belfast in 2012, also said he was a "man of great character and a true legend at our club".

"I remember that he was always very excited and proud to host our youth team at his boarding house for the Milk Cup every summer, so he could recount the tales of his playing days," he said.

"I loved his company and the many pieces of advice he gave me."

Former United midfielder and Northern Ireland international Norman Whiteside tweeted "Harry Gregg, what a man we love you Sir", while the IFA described him as a "legend of the game and a brave, selfless giant of a man".

Linfield Football Club recalled that Gregg began his career with its Swifts reserve team.

"Our thoughts are with all the Gregg family at this deeply sad time," it said.

Coleraine FC, where Gregg played before he signed for Donacaster Rovers, also described him as "a hero, legend and icon who will never be forgotten".

A book of condolence has been opened in Coleraine Town Hall.

First Minister Arlene Foster said she was "so sorry to learn of Harry’s passing", while communities minister Deirdre Hargey said Gregg was a "sporting icon and a hero to many".

Belfast-born broadcaster Eamonn Holmes described him as a "hero", while Ulster University academic Deirdre Heenan said it was "an honour and a privilege to be a patron of the Harry Gregg Foundation and get to know my childhood hero Harry Gregg".