Bert Trautmann - R.I.P

[Davs 19]

I'm not old enough to have seen Bert play but am fortunate to have been in his company twice. As well as being a great player he was a great human being.

Mrs Davs and myself were sat down earlier in tears after hearing this news. Strange how the passing of someone you don't really know can have that effect on you.

RIP Bert. A genuine legend.

 

[Bluesince1979]

I've got a bit of a Bert story.

When he was at City he lived on the council estate in Bramhal (council estate, I know!) and lived next door to a couple called Stan and Audrey Wilson who were my grans best friends so they'd all go out together.

Anyway, Stan was a bit of a local legend himself and took Bert under his wing so to speak and ended up close friends. Stan is mentioned in most of his books.

My grans dad (my great -grandad) Albert, was a huge City fan and Stan would bring Bert up to the Airport pub in wythenshawe which was Alberts local and have a few pints with him.
It used to make Alberts day.

My Gran is dead upset at the news of Berts passing. She said its a part of her Life that has ended today. Bert came over for Stans 80th about ten years or so ago at the Dean Row Hotel and I had the pleasure of meeting him there. He remembered my Dad as a nipper and spoke of Albert.

Sorry to bore you, just my little story.

 

[FuZzY]

Sad news.

R.I.P Bert Trautmann.

 

[Wheresthepies]

R.I.P. BERT

 

[Judge Roughneck]

A fascinating part of our history is Bert. A sad day but talk about a fulfilled life! I can remember chatting to a Schalke fan in Spain a couple of years ago and the mere mention of BT and the common bond was found.
The moment for me was the standing ovation a couple of years ago at the Etihad and seeing the great man moved to tears by the warmth and high regard he is held by all blues. One of many proud moments of belonging to the City family.
Ill just echo the previous sentiments that when the South stand is redeveloped and stands tall over one end of our pitch, there can be no better way of etching the moment in our history by unveiling it as The Trautmann End.

 

[Tueart's Thunderbolt]

A true City legend who I never saw play.What courage to play on in the 1956 Cup Final.Today's players might want to bear that in mind when they feign injury at the slightest touch.R.I.P. Bert.

 

[northstander]

what a fantastic story.
read bert's book couple of years ago, think i'll read it again, what a man, a true legend in every sense of the word.
served his country in a brutal war, captured, escaped and captured again then to win over a nation he fought against speaks volumes of him, i am too young too have seen him play but the grainy clips on youtube etc make me proud he was a blue and probably the best keeper germany never had.
THANKYOU BERT, REST IN PEACE and condolances to your family

 

[M147WN]

Choosing to stay in a country his homeland had been at war with
Must have been so difficult for him and although I wasn't
Around at the time I'm sure through football he built many bridges
Without realising it!
That alone spoke volumes about the man!
Helping to bring together nations that had previously been at war!!
....only very special people help to do that!
What a very special man he was!!.. I would have loved to have
Met him!
A 'true' City legend!!
RIP Bert!

 

[Bluep*ss]

I am very sad today. My first match at Maine Road was 1954.
City lost to Preston 1-4. I always remember that the tall goalkeeper was very good although we lost. From then on he was my hero and I watched the 1956 Cup Final on me Grandmas Tele -black and white of course - small screen. Later in 1956 I bought a book "Steppes to Wembley" on second thoughts my uncle bought me the book. I still have it minus the cover which showed Bert making a flying save up near the top of the left hand post. A few years ago I was on holiday and was gutted to read/and see Bert being introduced to the crowd at the now Etihad. He had a great presence. City played in Berlin a few years ago, a friendly, and I seem to remember Bert was honoured by the German FA at that match. R.I.P. Bert - my hero. One of the greatest goalkeepers of our time. Lev Yashin said Bert was one of the 2 best goalkeepers in the world.(Lev of course included himself).
A Statue outside the Etihad should be a must.

 

[Halfpenny]

I'm much too young to have seen him play, as are many on this thread, but the fact there's been such an outpouring of tributes speaks volumes about him. In an era where the word 'legend' is pinned to prima donnas who earn millions every year, there are few who actually deserve to be called as such. Bert embodied the word legend. Rest in peace.