Gregg Henry American actor. Date of Birth: 06.05.1952 Country: USA

1. Harry Gregg: The Goalkeeper and Munich Hero
2. From Doncaster to Manchester United
3. "The Hero of Munich"
4. Manchester United Career and Legacy
5. Post-playing Career
6. Honours and Legacy

Harry Gregg: The Goalkeeper and Munich Hero

Harry Gregg, an American-born footballer, began his career in the Windsor Park Swifts, a reserve team of Linfield FC. He later moved to Coleraine FC before signing with Doncaster Rovers in England at age 18.

From Doncaster to Manchester United

In 1957, Gregg joined Manchester United for a then-record fee, making him the world's most expensive goalkeeper. He was recognized as the best goalkeeper at the 1958 FIFA World Cup, receiving an overwhelming 478 votes from journalists.

"The Hero of Munich"

Gregg is forever known as "The Hero of Munich." After the tragic Munich Air Disaster in 1958, he pulled several teammates from the burning wreckage, including Bobby Charlton, Jackie Blanchflower, and Dennis Viollet. He also helped Vera Lukic, a pregnant Yugoslav diplomat's wife, and her daughter, Vesna, as well as rescuing injured United manager Matt Busby from the wreckage.

Manchester United Career and Legacy

Despite being part of one of United's most successful teams, Gregg never won a major trophy. A serious shoulder injury prevented him from playing in the victorious 1963 FA Cup Final, and subsequent injuries kept him from having enough appearances for the league medals in the 1964-65 and 1966-67 title-winning seasons. He left for Stoke City in 1967.

Post-playing Career

Gregg became manager of Shrewsbury Town after retiring as a player. He also held managerial positions at Swansea City (1972-75) and Crewe Alexandra (1975-78). In 1978, he returned to Manchester United as a goalkeeper coach under Dave Sexton. He later became assistant manager to Lou Macari at Swindon Town, helping the team win the Fourth Division in 1986. He also had a stint as manager of Carlisle United in the 1986-87 season.

Honours and Legacy

In 1995, Gregg received an MBE for his services to football. He participated in numerous television documentaries about Manchester United's history and the Munich Air Disaster, including "Munich: End of a Dream" in 1998 and "One Life: Munich Air Disaster" in 2008. He was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of the University by the University of Ulster in 2008.