Deaths on February 6

Eddie Colman, English footballer (b. 1936)

Edward Colman: A Young Star of Manchester United's Busby Babes

Edward Colman (1 November 1936 – 6 February 1958) was a gifted English professional football player, tragically remembered as one of the eight Manchester United players who lost their lives in the devastating Munich air disaster. At just 21 years and 3 months old, he was the youngest of the 23 people who perished in that fateful event, a testament to the immense loss suffered by the football world and beyond.

Born on Archie Street in Ordsall, Salford, Lancashire, Edward was the only child of Richard Colman and Elizabeth Colman. Growing up in a working-class community deeply rooted in football, his talent quickly became evident.

The Rise of a Busby Babe: Career at Manchester United

Colman's journey with Manchester United began in the summer of 1952, immediately after he left school, when he joined the club's renowned youth team. This was a period when United, under the visionary management of Matt Busby and the coaching brilliance of Jimmy Murphy, were revolutionising English football by nurturing young, homegrown talent – a philosophy that gave birth to the legendary "Busby Babes."

By the 1955-56 season, Colman had already cemented his place in the senior squad, earning the crucial right-half position. This role, akin to a central midfielder in modern football, demanded both defensive solidity and attacking flair. He famously ousted Jeff Whitefoot to play alongside the iconic Duncan Edwards, forming a formidable partnership in the heart of United's midfield. That season culminated in triumph, with Colman earning his first Football League First Division title medal, marking United's dominance in English football.

The following season, 1956-57, saw Colman collect another league championship medal, a testament to the team's consistency and his integral role. United also made groundbreaking progress in the European Cup, reaching the semi-finals and showcasing their talent on the continental stage. Although the team's ambitions for a domestic double were thwarted in the 1957 FA Cup final, where they lost 2–1 to Aston Villa, Colman still played a vital part, earning a runners-up medal.

Playing Style and Final Moments

During his time at Manchester United, Edward Colman earned the memorable nickname "Snakehips." This distinctive moniker perfectly captured his unique playing style, characterised by an exceptional body swerve, agility, and deceptive dribbling that allowed him to evade opponents with ease. His smooth movements and quick changes of direction made him a challenging player to mark on the pitch.

He made a total of 108 first-team appearances for Manchester United, demonstrating his consistent presence and value to the squad. Colman scored two goals during his United career. Poignantly, his second and final goal came in the first leg of the fateful European Cup quarter-final tie against Red Star Belgrade, a match that preceded the tragic journey home. Colman, along with his teammates, staff, and other passengers, died on 6 February 1958, following the plane crash at Munich-Riem Airport. The aircraft had stopped in Munich to refuel on its return flight from Belgrade when the disaster occurred, forever altering the course of Manchester United's history.

Legacy and Tributes

Edward Colman's memory is profoundly etched into the fabric of Salford and Manchester United. A poignant tribute stands at his graveside in Weaste Cemetery, Weaste, Salford. Initially, a statue of Colman was erected there after his death, a public display of grief and remembrance. However, within a few years, it was sadly damaged by vandals. After being lovingly repaired, the statue was moved to the home of his father, Dick Colman, to protect it from further harm, symbolising the family's enduring custodianship of his legacy. Dick Colman, who passed away in October 1986 at the age of 76, is interred alongside his beloved son Eddie and Eddie's mother, Elizabeth, who died in November 1971 at the age of 62, creating a lasting family resting place.

In a powerful demonstration of the widespread public mourning and solidarity for the Munich victims, twenty-seven workers at a Manchester boxmaking firm were initially dismissed from their jobs for leaving work to attend Colman's funeral. However, due to significant public outcry and pressure, all of them were swiftly reinstated, highlighting the depth of emotion and respect the community held for Colman and the entire team.

Further honouring his connection to his hometown, an accommodation building at the University of Salford bears his name: Eddie Colman Court. This block of flats, located near the main campus, serves as a permanent, tangible tribute to a young man whose life was tragically cut short, ensuring his name and legacy continue to inspire future generations.

FAQs about Edward Colman

When was Edward Colman born and when did he die?

Edward Colman was born on 1 November 1936 and tragically died on 6 February 1958, making him just 21 years and 3 months old at the time of his passing.

What was Edward Colman's nickname and why?

He was known as "Snakehips" due to his distinctive and agile body swerve, a trademark move that allowed him to skillfully dribble past opponents on the football field.

What position did Edward Colman play for Manchester United?

Edward Colman played as a right-half, a key midfield position during his era, requiring both defensive duties and the ability to contribute to attacks.

What honours did Edward Colman win with Manchester United?

He won two consecutive Football League First Division titles in the 1955-56 and 1956-57 seasons. He also helped Manchester United reach the European Cup semi-finals and was an FA Cup finalist.

How many appearances and goals did Edward Colman have for Manchester United?

Edward Colman made 108 first-team appearances for Manchester United and scored two goals. His second goal was scored in the European Cup quarter-final against Red Star Belgrade, just before the Munich air disaster.

How is Edward Colman's legacy honoured in Salford?

An accommodation building at the University of Salford is named "Eddie Colman Court" in his honour. Additionally, he is buried at Weaste Cemetery in Salford, where a statue was initially erected in his memory.