German International Bert Trautmann was brought up during the times of inter-war strife in Germany. Trautmann joined the Luftwaffe early in the Second World War, serving as a paratrooper where he fought on the eastern front for three years. In that time, Trautmann earned five medals, including an iron cross. He was soon captured by the British as the war was coming to an end. He was later transferred to a prison of war camp in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Lancashire. Following his release in 1948, he settled in Lancashire, combining farm work with playing as goalkeeper for local team St. Helens Town from 1948-1949. During that stint, he made 43 appearances where he sparked interest from football league clubs.
He signed for Manchester City in 1949, playing at the highest level of football in Division 1. Manchester City signing Trautmann wasn’t a popular decision and sparked protests with 20,000 people attending a demonstration. Over time, he gained acceptance through his performances in City goal. Bert Trautmann was named footballer of the year in 1956 and entered football folklore with his performance in the 1956 FA Cup Final against Birmingham, where he suffered a serious injury after diving at the feet of Birmingham City’s Peter Murphy with 17 minutes of the game remaining. Despite injury, Trautmann continued to play making crucial saves to protect a 3-1 lead.
As Trautmann went to collect his winner’s medal, people noticed his neck was crooked. Just three days later a x-ray revealed Trautmann suffered a broken neck. Trautmann continued to play for City until 1964, making 508 apps. He moved on to make two appearances for Wellington Town in 1946, and ended his career there. Bert Trautmann went on to manage in football with Stockport County, Preuben Munster, Opel Russelsheim, Burma, Tanzania, Liberia and Pakistan.
Bert Trautmann was a true legend for Manchester City, but also for the world of football. You’ll never be forgotten.
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