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Trautmann commemorative friendly announced

Last Wednesday, the 7th of October, marked the 60th anniversary of the signing of one of the biggest icons in City's history, Bert Trautmann. One of only 90 of his 1000-strong regiment to survive World War II, the German would refuse repatriation on his release from a prisoner-of-war camp near Wigan, and settle in Lancashire, playing for local side St Helens Town aswell as working on a nearby farm.

Performances for the Merseyside club during the 1948/49 season would impress visiting scouts, and the following October City would offer him a contract. Despite initial scepticism from supporters Bert would go on to make over 500 appearances over a fifteen-year period, becoming one of the club's all-time greats.

To mark the anniversary of the transfer of a man considered a legend of both clubs, City will field a Legends XI against the North West Counties Football League side, on Sunday November 15th, kick-off 1pm, at the Athletics Stadium (or Mini-CoMS). Proceeds will be shared between Bert's foundation, St Helens Town, and a nominated charity of the Legends Team's choice.

Us not having a game that weekend could prove a good chance for a strong turnout, to pay respect to one of our greatest ever players, and raise a few bob for the good causes. The cost to season ticket holders, pensioners and kids, will be an alarmingly good value £2, £4 for other seniors. A special programme will also be available including a foreword by the big man himself.

Think I might go to this one.

I'll definately be going to this.
Do we know if the man himself will be there tb64?

Nice idea.

M147WN wrote:I'll definately be going to this.
Do we know if the man himself will be there tb64?

I don't know I know his health is not that great these days and he lives in spain, I hope he does I met him a few years back at a book signing he is a gentle giant.

Message to MCFC: would someone please get the cameras to this game and put some of the video on the official site? It'd be a lot more interesting than some of the half-baked talk for talk's sake they have now. Or can someone film it and put it on youtube? I saw Bert Trautmann for the first time in the 1955 Cup final on a little black & white tv when I was six, only one person in the street had a set and half the street went in to watch it. I remember running home in tears after Newcastle's third goal. Next time I saw him was in the following year's Cup final where he broke his neck, my first "live" City game. I went to his farewell match when he retired but my dad wouldn't let me run onto the pitch at the end ("nay, it's not proper, that, lad.") Many years later I met Bert at a book signing, same as another post said. Sad to hear he's not well. When the new City win the league I dream of him being introduced to the crowd before the match that clinches the title, along with Uwe Rosler, Goater, Ali Benarbia, and other City greats.

trueblue64 wrote:

M147WN wrote:I'll definately be going to this.
Do we know if the man himself will be there tb64?

I don't know I know his health is not that great these days and he lives in spain, I hope he does I met him a few years back at a book signing he is a gentle giant.

Unless there is a recent update I think you have it wrong on his health I am glad to say.

I know family members very well and they were out recently to visit him in Valencia and they comment on his incredibly robust health for his age

mcfc1632 wrote:

trueblue64 wrote:

M147WN wrote:I'll definately be going to this.
Do we know if the man himself will be there tb64?

I don't know I know his health is not that great these days and he lives in spain, I hope he does I met him a few years back at a book signing he is a gentle giant.

Unless there is a recent update I think you have it wrong on his health I am glad to say.

I know family members very well and they were out recently to visit him in Valencia and they comment on his incredibly robust health for his age

Clad to here this.

Lives near Castellón - might be moving up there so a chance I could get my book signed - her indoors threw my signed copy out by mistake!!
Anyone seen this t-shirt or where it´s available?

Ah, good stuff, I missed this thread, hence it's inclusion this morning, cheers

david yearsley wrote:Lives near Castellón - might be moving up there so a chance I could get my book signed - her indoors threw my signed copy out by mistake!!
Anyone seen this t-shirt or where it´s available?

trautmann shirt.jpg

googled and found this:

http://www.punkfootball.co.uk/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=88

not bad for 9.99
few other quality tshirts on there too

I hear that it is his birthday later on this month and that he will be 86 - apparently he is in rude health for that age - I will ask if he is coming over for this event

Thanks for detailing that game Mate.I'll be home from Scotland by then and would hate to miss it.

Ther are City legends...city legends...and the Bert Trautmann.

Will be very interested to see who is in the Legends XI.

Gerry Creaney ? Only kidding my dad always told me when i was growing up how good Bert was, iv''e seen that cup final in 56 a few times on tape amazing how he carried on a true legend.

hmmmm......could be an opportunity to give my 3 yr old son his first experience of a footy game......

He was my childhood hero--plastered my bedroom wall with action photos cut from the sunday express. I hope the game is a success, and I hope the great man can attend.