Church’s new book on soccer hero

A book remembering Black Country footballing legend Duncan Edwards has been produced by his family church in his hometown in time for a service to commemorate his life.

St Francis’s Church, in Laurel Road, Dudley, has finished the book, titled Duncan Edwards, Dudley’s Football Legend, ahead of the 50th anniversary of his death tomorrow.

It will go on sale at the service at the former Manchester United and England star’s bronze statue in the centre of Dudley, when hundreds of residents are expected to turn out to pay their respects to one of the town’s favourite sons.

The Rev Geoff Johnston said: “We did a booklet for the 40th anniversary but that has been updated with anecdotes from people who grew up with Duncan and is filled with new pictures and stories about him.” Mr Johnston, of St Francis’s Church on the Priory Estate, where Edwards’s funeral was held 50 years ago, will lead tomorrow’s service with Mayor of Dudley Councillor David Stanley.

Manchester United is sending club director Maurice Watkins to lay a wreath at the statue, while others at the service will include Duncan’s cousins Keith and John.

Duncan, a victim of the Munich air disaster on February 6, 1958, died in hospital 15 days later. Dudley council is staging the civic tribute, which starts at 11am and will include readings, hymns and a wreath-laying ceremony. The footballer was born in Dudley in 1936 and throughout his life spoke of his pride at being an ambassador for the town.

Councillor Stanley said: “This event will be a fitting tribute to Duncan and a celebration of his tragically short life and career.

“I’m sure hundreds of people will turn out to pay their respects to one of Dudley’s true heroes.”

A purpose-built gallery housing Duncan Edwards memorabilia including photos, press cuttings from the time, his sports shirts and England caps, is expected to open in May. The gallery will follow on from an exhibition of the memorabilia which is running at Dudley Museum and Art Gallery until May 24.

The new booklet produced by St Francis’s Church will be available by post as well as at tomorrow’s service. It costs £4 with 50p extra for postage and packaging if being delivered.