Blue Plaque for Tom Curry: Video

On Sunday 4 February 2018, a special event took place to honour Manchester United’s well-loved trainer, Tom Curry. Tom was a professional footballer-turned-coach, who became Manchester United’s trainer in 1934 until his untimely death in the Munich air disaster. To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, Trafford Council have kindly approved a Blue Plaque in Tom Curry’s name.

For 24 years, Tom lived with his wife, Elizabeth and their three children, George, Thomas and Elizabeth opposite St Teresa’s School in Firswood, Manchester. He was well loved by his friends, neighbours and football colleagues – many of whom regularly came to visit him at his home. Most of the young Manchester United players at the time lived nearby in digs, which – like Tom’s home – was just a short walking distance to Manchester United’s ground at Old Trafford.

Tom’s granddaughter, Jennie Dixon used to stay at the house when she was a young child. She recalls her mother, Betty (Elizabeth) telling her about the Manchester United players coming round to visit: “My mum told us how she would come home from work to find one or more of the players sitting at the dinner table ready to have tea with them. She said they all looked up to my grandfather, who was a very kind and mild mannered man and he was fiercely protective of them all.”

We were invited to the plaque unveiling. Also in attendance were Tom’s family and friends, representatives from Manchester United, a few former players and members of the general public.

Photos of the unveiling can be found here