FAMILY, football legends and former team-mates came together to celebrate the life of Dudley’s greatest sporting icon - on the 60th anniversary of his death.

A look back at the life and career of Duncan Edwards was held at Dudley Archives on Wednesday, February 21, following the success of a tribute exhibition currently being held at the venue.

The celebration featured a presentation by Jim Cadman, of the The Duncan Edwards Anniversary Tribute, who discussed the Manchester United player’s life from birth, his schooldays, his two years’ national service and his tragically short but hugely successful football career.

Stourbridge News:

Ex-West Bromwich Albion captain Graham Williams shares his memories with event attendees at Dudley Archives. Pic - Jonathan Hipkiss

Former Priory School pupil Duncan was just 21 when he died on February 21, 1958 - 15 days after the Munich air crash which claimed the lives of eight United players.

Guests at the celebration included former Manchester United stars Tommy Doherty and Alex Stepney, Graham Williams - who played against Duncan for West Bromwich Albion - Dudley Mayor Councillor Dave Tyler and former Priory School team mates.

Duncan’s cousin Betty Cooksey also attended with her son Keith. The 87-year-old from Netherton said: “Duncan was a nice lad.

“He used to play football with my older brother. There were no airs and graces about him - he was a proper Black Country lad.

“I think it’s very important that we remember him in Dudley as Duncan made such a huge impact.”

Stourbridge News:

Friends and family of Duncan Edwards at the event. Pic - Jonathan Hipkiss

Mr Cadman, from Stourbridge, said: “This could have been a sad day but it wasn't because we did not dwell on his death but instead celebrated his life - a short life, but a remarkable one.”

Alex Stepney, who was the Red Devils’ goalkeeper when they won the European Cup in 1968, said: “I think what Dudley is doing to honour Duncan’s memory is absolutely superb, not just for the town and his relatives but for the whole football community. It’s a privilege for me to be part of it.

“Duncan was unbelievable. I saw him play against Chelsea and he stood out. He went on to play for England at the age of just 18 at a time when people didn’t play for their country until they were 23 or 24.”

And Scotland’s Tommy Docherty (pictured below with BBC Midlands Today sports presenter Ian Winter; pic by Jonathan Hipkiss), who played against Duncan in an international match, added: “Duncan was the complete package right from the start. He couldn’t have been improved on.”

Stourbridge News:

A book on Duncan, ‘Black Country Boy to Red Devil’, will be published on his birthday Monday, October 1, while a tribute dinner will be held at the Copthorne Hotel on October 11.

For more information on the tribute and for tickets to the dinner, visit the website at www.duncanedwardstribute.com.