Legendary former Manchester United and Northern Ireland goalkeeper Harry Gregg OBE has passed away peacefully aged 87.
His death, which will come as a shock to the football and wider sports fraternity, was confirmed by The Harry Gregg Foundation in the early hours of Monday morning, reports Belfast Live.
A brief statement read: “It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the death of Manchester United and Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg, OBE.
“Harry passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his loving family.
“The Gregg family would like to thank the medical staff at Causeway Hospital for their wonderful dedication to Harry over his last few weeks.
“To everyone who has called, visited or sent well wishes we thank you for the love and respect shown to Harry and the family.”
Gregg, who was part of Manchester United’s famous Busby Babes team for almost 10 years, played 247 times for the Old Trafford club between 1957 and 1966.
He will be remembered for his heroism during the 1958 Munich Air Disaster when a plane carrying the Manchester United team crashed in heavy snow after several aborted take-offs.
Harry helped rescue a mother and young baby from the burning wreckage, although the tragedy would claim the lives of 23 people, including eight of his team mates.
Gregg, who also played for Linfield Swifts, Coleraine and Doncaster Rovers, won 25 caps for his country between 1954 and 1963.
He also starred for Northern Ireland at the 1958 World Cup finals in Sweden when a team captained by Danny Blanchflower reached the quarter-finals of the competition.
Gregg, who finished his career with Stoke City after leaving Manchester United, was later named goalkeeper of the tournament in Sweden.
Both Manchester United and the Irish FA tweeted tributes to their former player.
The Old Trafford club stated: "It is with deepest sadness we have learned of the passing of former player Harry Gregg OBE. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club go out to Harry’s family and friends."
The Northern Ireland national team tweeted: "A legend of the game and a brave, selfless giant of a man. RIP, Harry Gregg."
The Harry Gregg Foundation has asked that the privacy of the family be respected “at this difficult time” and said funeral arranges will be revealed in the coming days.
