Manchester United star Duncan Edwards' story told in book

Black Country historian Dave Barratt brings together Duncan’s story in words and with exclusive pictures, with the help of his lifelong friends - fellow Tipton-born enthusiasts David Harrison and Alan Hughes.

The too-short life of the late great footballer, who died of injuries sustained in the Munich air disaster of 1958, is relived through Dave's research in a new book entitled ‘Duncan Edwards - A Black Country Colossus’ - published by Empire Publications.

The cover of 'Duncan Edwards - A Black Country Colossus’. (Image: Dave Barratt)

Dave first became aware of the footballing star in1952 when he was just five-years-old. The Barratts had moved temporarily from their Tipton home to temporary accommodation on Dudley’s Priory estate.

The house in Beech Road was just a short walk to Elm Road, where Duncan grew up.

Dave said: “Me and my brother H both loved football and all we heard people talk about was this young and talented football who came from Dudley.

Duncan Edwards as a youngster (Image: Dave Barratt)

“Duncan had already signed for Manchester United. He was just 16-years-old. He had also won a lot of England schoolboy caps and all the kids idolised him.”

That was the start of Dave’s fascination with the footballer which was to become an obsession.

His work traces Duncan’s life in pictures from his childhood, his school teams, Manchester United and England careers right through to his tragic death 15 days after the Munich air disaster and the funeral service and burial in Dudley.

The foreword to the book is provided by former West Bromwich Albion manager Ron Atkinson who is certain Duncan would have captained England to the World Cup triumph in 1966 had he still been alive.

‘Duncan Edwards - A Black Country Colossus’ is available to buy from the book’s publisher Empire Publications of Manchester online at empire-uk.com for £12 including UK postage. It is also available on Amazon.