Event celebrating Dudley legend Duncan Edwards kicks off

The event in Dudley includes a special book of remembrance at the town’s archives centre to mark the 60th anniversary of Duncan’s tragic death.

Among the first to sign it was Tony Whelan, former Manchester United player and now assistant director of the club’s academy. He was joined by Birmingham teenage prospect Dermot Mee, currently in the youth setup at Old Trafford and hoping to follow in Duncan’s footsteps. The pair made a special trip from Manchester to the centre in Tipton Road, Dudley.

Mr Whelan said: “We are proud to follow in the footsteps of Duncan.

“He will be a Manchester United legend forever, and it was a real honour and a privilege to come down today to see this new exhibition.”

Dermot said: “Duncan was very special to everyone at Man United throughout his time at the club.

“He has inspired many of us players to continue right to the end, chasing our dreams. His story is a special one for me as obviously we’re both from a similar neck of the woods.” Manchester United and England legend Duncan was one of just eight players who died after the Munich air disaster on February 6, 1958.

He died 15 days later on February 21, aged just 21.

The book of remembrance forms part of an extended exhibition honouring the footballer, which will be in place for three months at the site, next to the Black Country Living Museum.

Duncan’s cousin Keith Edwards was also there to sign it and see the exhibition. The museum, which does not normally open on Sunday, will be open especially from noon to 2pm a week on Sunday (feb18) as part of the commemoration. It will tie in with a special service of remembrance on the same day at St Francis’s Church, where there are two stained glass windows celebrating Duncan’s memory.

Around 80 Manchester United fans are expected to travel on the day for the service and to visit the museum, as well as visiting Duncan’s grave at Queen’s Cross cemetery and stopping off at his statue in the town centre. A special wall of remembrance is also being set up at the church, where Duncan’s funeral was held, for visitors.

It is due to be unveiled the week beginning February 12. A Duncan Edwards Tribute Dinner is also at the Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill on February 21.