Sir Bobby Charlton to unveil Duncan Edwards plaque after Sam Allardyce pulls out following England axe

Dudley-born Allardyce was due to unveil a blue plaque for Edwards in Priory Park on Saturday to mark what would have been his 80th birthday, but he has jetted off on holiday after leaving the top job.

Despite the blow of losing Allardyce, organisers have secured Edwards' former Manchester United teammate and English football legend Sir Bobby at short notice.

Edwards first honed his skills on the Priory Park playing fields before being snapped up by giants Manchester United. He died at the age of 21 as a result of the Munich Air Disaster in 1958. United supporters are expected to travel down to Dudley for the ceremony.

Civic leaders have long wanted to have a plaque installed marking the area where Edwards played as a child, to go with the statue which stands in Dudley town centre.

Allardyce, aged 61, lost his dream job after only 67 days when he was caught out by a Daily Telegraph sting offering to advise businessman, who were actually undercover reporters, on how they could get around rules on player transfers in return for £400,000.

It meant he had lasted just 67 days in the post - the shortest ever tenure for a permanent England coach. He told reporters outside his Bolton home today that he was 'off abroad to chill out and reflect'.

Dudley councillor Dave Tyler, who has helped secure the blue plaque, said: "We pulled out all the stops to try and make sure the day is was a success.

"The day is all about Duncan Edwards, his legacy and keeping his memory alive.

"It is disappointing. People were looking forward to him coming back home to take part in the event.

"But there is always something good that comes out of adversity.

"Sir Bobby Charlton is always welcome in Dudley and we are absolutely thrilled he is coming."