Former Manchester United player Jeff Whitefoot has passed away at the age of 90. Whitefoot was a key figure in the original Busby Babes, a team renowned for its youth and exhilarating style of play under the legendary manager Sir Matt Busby during the 1950s.
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Whitefoot’s career began with a bang as he became Manchester United’s youngest league debutant at just 16 years and 105 days old in April 1950. His early promise and skill on the field quickly became evident, making him a crucial part of the team that won the First Division title twice, first in 1952 and again in 1956.
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In search of more playing opportunities, Whitefoot transferred to Second Division club Grimsby Town three months before the tragic Munich air disaster in 1958, which claimed the lives of eight of his former teammates among the Busby Babes. His departure spared him from the devastating event that shook the football world.
After leaving Grimsby, Whitefoot continued his successful career with Nottingham Forest, where he enjoyed FA Cup success in 1959. His tenure with Forest saw him make 285 appearances before he retired from professional football in 1967.
Post-retirement, Whitefoot ventured into business, running a greengrocer’s and later managing a pub. His life after football was a testament to his versatility and commitment to serving his community.
A statement from Manchester United paid tribute to Whitefoot’s exceptional abilities: “There were few more perceptive and precise passers of a football in England than Jeff during the mid-1950s. May he rest in peace, with a special place in club folklore long since assured.”
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