WHYTE'S THE ECLECTIC COLLECTOR 15/16 MAY 2021

204 Sport 519 Football. An England shirt worn by Roger Byrne in the Ireland v EnglandWorld Cup tie, 19 May 1957. England shirt numbered “3”, worn in the match and swapped with Byrne’s opposite number, Seamus Dunne. With the programme of the match. A great memento of one of the “Busby Babes”who died tragically in the Munich Air Disaster on 6 February 1958, less than a year after he played in this match. Condition: A few moth holes around the neck, otherwise very good; the programme slight scuffs to cover and corners bumped, changes to teams noted in ink, very good. Roger Byrne was born on 8 September 1929 in the Gorton district of Manchester. Byrne undertook two years of National Service in the Royal Air Force, where he was not considered good enough to play football and played rugby instead. While playing for Ryder Brow, Byrne came to the attention of United scout Joe Armstrong and was offered amateur terms at the club, turning professional soon after, becoming the first of what would come to be known as the ‘Busby Babes’. Byrne was captain of Manchester United from the 1955–56 season onwards. He captained the side through the legendary Busby Babes era, playing as a left-sided full-back of the traditional style. 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. Perhaps his best asset was his ability to inspire players with his charismatic leadership. Even more than 60 years after his death, he is still regarded as one of Manchester United’s greatest captains. He earned league-winner’s medals in 1952, 1956 and 1957, and was an FA Cup runner-up to Aston Villa in 1957. He also helped United reach the semi-finals of the European Cup in 1957, when they were the English Football League’s first entrants into the competition. Byrne was also a regular member of Walter Winterbottom’s England team during the 1950s and was considered a possible captain of the national team after the retirement of the incumbent captain, Billy Wright, whose career continued until 1959. His total of 33 England caps were all won in consecutive fixtures. He appeared in every England international from his debut against Scotland in April 1954 to his last match against France in November 1957. This remains a record. Byrne didn’t score for England, and took two penalties during his England career, but both were missed against Brazil and Yugoslavia respectively in 1956. He died in the Munich air disaster at the age of 28, Byrne was the oldest of the eight players who perished at Munich. On arriving home he would have received the news that his wife Joy was expecting their first child. They had only married the previous year. Estimate €3,000-€4,000 (approx £2,610-£3,480) Click here for more images and to bid on this lot 519