Express & Star

GALLERY: Duncan Edwards remembered with tribute at Copthorne Hotel

He went from the parks of the Black Country all the way to the very top with Manchester United and England before tragedy cruelly intervened.

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Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Alan Taylor, Copthorne Hotel manager, Stuart Fleming, and organiser Jim Cadman

Now the story of Duncan Edwards has been re-told through the creation of a tribute room at the Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill.

Pictures from his life and memorabilia recognising his achievements adorn the walls in the room, which will act as a permanent tribute to the Dudley-born football icon.

Former teammates from his childhood days were among guests as the room was officially opened yesterday, on the 61st anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster, from which Edwards later died in hospital aged just 21.

Jim Cadman, chairman of the Duncan Edwards Tribute group, said it was another step to ensuring his legacy was cemented where he grew up.

He said: "It is a very big step forward in making sure the heritage of Duncan Edwards is passed on to a new generation.

"We have created a room in partnership with the Copthorne Hotel that tells the story of Duncan from when he was seven years old and had dreams of playing at Wembley all the way to the sadness of the Munich Air Disaster.

"We have decorated the room with pictures and memorabilia that tell the story concisely of Duncan's life.

"It was very poignant that is was the Munich Air Disaster anniversary and we talked about his life, his achievements and his legacy in the Black Country."

Former players from Dudley Boys and Worcestershire County, where Edwards honed his skills as a young boy before being spotted by giants Manchester United, were present as was West Brom cup-winning captain Graham Williams, who played against the star.

Mr Cadman said: "It is a tribute that started when all the memorabilia was moved to Manchester and Dudley was left with nothing. When we read about it we formed a group to do something about it."

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