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FANS of Manchester United in Bahrain, who were entranced by the shared memories of a former player and coach during his visit to the kingdom, can now enjoy the goal-den days in print.
The Reds Remembered, featuring reflections from Terry Beckett, has been written by his grandchildren – Hannah, 17, and Imogen Moore, 11, and Trudy, 14, and Phoebe Beckett-McInroy, 12 – and copies of the book are being snapped up around the globe.
“With the Munich tragedy marking its 60th anniversary last year and granddad’s not getting any younger, we wanted to put all the pieces together of the stories he has shared with us,” explained former St Christopher’s School pupil, Trudy. “We all like football and so started to interview him.”
Their cousins live a stone’s throw away from Old Trafford, known as the Theatre of Dreams, and the children enjoyed every moment of the mission. “It was really interesting when he was telling us about how football was really hard in the ‘old days’ and also how the game has changed too,” said her sister Phoebe, “and the fact that he once played for Manchester United is amazing!”
Everyone associated with football knows the story of the Munich Air Crash, which robbed the world of much of the precious talent known as The Busby Babes, the young squad playing under legendary manager, Matt. The eight players who perished on February 6, 1958 are part of the legend that is Manchester United.
Their story will never grow old. As part of The Busby Babes, Terry trained, worked and played with them all. His association with Manchester United extended beyond his playing days, when he became a scout, a role he filled for 32 years.
The Reds Remembered captures his remarkable insights and memories of the Manchester United phenomenon that produced some of the world’s best footballing talent, in a way that few could ever do, covering players, coaches and managers.
The former forward joined Manchester United Supporters Club Bahrain at Elite Seef Residence and Hotel in 2013 and delighted a swarm of red-shirted fans by taking a trip down memory lane during half-time.
He was visiting Bahrain as members of his family were based in the kingdom at the time. His daughter Clare Beckett-McInroy still runs a training, coaching and consulting business in the Gulf region. Her husband, Simon, owns a tuition centre.
Right-sided forward Terry was a regular in United’s Youth, A and Reserves teams, making one senior appearance in a county cup tie. He left United in November 1957, signed up for a short stint at Manchester City before enlisting in the army. He was stationed in the nearby town of Bury, before being sent to Cyprus and it was during that spell that he heard the news of the tragedy.
Terry said: “I was getting off the train when I spotted a newspaper headline: ‘Munich Air Crash’. It was terrible. We used to all go out together in town and now my pals were gone. I attended Eddie Colman’s funeral. It was a sad day.”
A niggling back injury put paid to his football career but on his return to the UK Terry was invited to return to the United fold. Former striker Brian Kidd, who was running the United Academy, asked him to scout for the club.
Terry has been involved in recruiting a string of future young stars and was instrumental in bringing in midfielders Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, who both went on to play for England. Butt was only 12 when Terry declared that he would play for his country one day.
The Reds Remembered, published in January, has already received rave reviews. “Uniquely written by his grandchildren, the lively interviews with Terry bring his gripping reflections to life,” said singer and actor Jonathan Young. “Compelling from the get-go to the last page, it’s a must-read for any fan of The Reds and indeed any football enthusiastic.”
The Reds Remembered: Reflections from Terry Beckett in paperback is available from amazon.com priced $15.52, around BD6. Visit https://www.amazon.com/dp/0993199968 for more details
We have one copy to give away. Answer Terry’s quiz question: ‘Who was the manager before Matt Busby took charge for the first time?’ and send your answer to editor@gulfweekly.com. The first correct answer out of the bag on Sunday at noon will win the prize.
