West Brom and Manchester United legend to help honour major Duncan Edwards milestone
Albion and Manchester United icon Bryan Robson is heading back to the Black Country to help honour a major milestone in the career of legendary Dudley footballer Duncan Edwards.
Robson will be present at a tribute dinner taking place next month to mark the 70th anniversary of Edwards’ England debut.
Edwards became England’s youngest-ever international when he made his bow aged just 18 years and 183 days old. Wolves goalkeeper Bert Williams, defender Billy Wright and inside forward Dennis Wilshaw also featured in a 7-2 win over Scotland at Wembley Stadium on April 2, 1955.
Next month’s dinner at the Copthorne Hotel takes place exactly 70 years to the day and will see Robson present specially produced caps to successful auction bidders.
The caps are part of a one-off collection of the 18 presented to Edwards during his three year international career and have been recreated at the factory that produced the originals - with the same specification and using identical materials.
Approved by the Football Association, they carry the official England badge with three rampant Iions and ten tudor roses.
Edwards remained one of the country’s most treasured players until he died in the aftermath of the 1958 Munich air disaster which claimed the lives of 23 people, including players, journalists and aircraft crew.
Robson, who made more than 700 combined appearances for Albion and United and also managed the Baggies, said: "I have always been aware of the contribution Duncan Edwards made to Manchester United and England and as I followed in his footsteps for club and country my admiration of his incredible football ability grew stronger.
"It will give me great pleasure to pay tribute to the great Duncan Edwards in his home town of Dudley as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of his England debut in 1955 at 18 years of age."
Cadman said: “Profits from the Anniversary Dinner will be used to promote the history and legacy of Duncan Edwards throughout the world.
“We will continue to expand our Duncan Edwards Archives and to support grass roots football and community based projects in Dudley and the Black Country.”
More details on the tribute dinner and available tickets can be found on the website duncanedwardsunited.com or from Cadman via email at jwc@duncanedwardsunited.com or by phone 07971 624627.
