Regardless of the fact that he finished his playing career in 1964, Bert Trautmann’s name is still greeted with warm affection by all City fans, but the legendary keeper may never have signed for the blues if it wasn’t for the outbreak of Word War Two.
Bert Trautmann was born in Bremen, Germany in 1923, which was only five years after the end of the First World War (although nobody at the time seemed too concerned by the choice of name for the war).
During the war years, Trautmann served in the Luftwaffe until his capture by British forces in 1941. He was transferred to a prisoner of war camp near Ashton in Makerfield, where he sat out the remainder of the war. Following Germany’s defeat, Trautmann was offered the opportunity to return to Germany, but instead opted to stay in the North West where he played in goal for St Helens Town.
Only four years after the war ended, Trautmann made the controversial move and signed for Manchester City, a move which sparked protests involving over 20,000 people. Trautmann though, proved himself to be an able keeper and only missed five games out of the club’s next 250. His performances gradually won the public over.
In 1956, he was named the Football Writers Player of the Year before he went on to achieve legendary status with the blues. With City leading 3-1 in the FA Cup Final against Birmingham, Trautmann raced off his line to dive at the feet of Peter Murphy but was injured in doing so. He continued to play and made some excellent saves to preserve City’ lead and win the trophy. It was only three days later that an x-ray revealed his neck had been broken.
Political reasons prevented Trautmann from playing for his country; only footballer’s playing in the German League were eligible for selection. He therefore missed out on the 1954 World Cup, which was won by West Germany.
Trautmann went on to make 565 appearances for City before ending his career with a testimonial in 1964 in front of a crowd of 47,000, although some say it was closer to 60,000. Following his retirement, Trautmann moved into management wit lower league sides in England and Germany.
In 2004, Trautmann was awarded an OBE for promoting Anglo-German relations through football, a richly deserved award.
Bert Trautmann is probably one of City’s most famous son’s, a true legend and a deserving Past Master.