Tributes pour in for former City star Trautmann

Tributes have been paid to Bert Trautmann, the German prisoner of war who went on to earn fame for playing for Manchester City in the FA Cup final despite a broken neck, who has died at the age of 89.

Trautmann, who was awarded an honorary OBE for his work in promoting Anglo-German post-war relations, played more than 500 times for City between 1949-1964.

His feat in the 1956 FA Cup final became one of the legends of the tournament, when he played the final 17 minutes of the game with a broken neck to ensure victory over Birmingham City — an injury so serious he was out of action for months.

City are planning a tribute to their former ’keeper at their first home game of the season and will also consider a more lasting recognition.

City’s former club secretary Bernard Halford, a long-standing friend of Trautmann’s, said: “He is a true icon of the game. He was the best goalkeeper I ever saw.

“Who could play on in a cup final with a broken neck? Bert Trautmann could. He didn't play for months afterwards but he did recover, which showed his fighting spirit.”