Former Manchester United manager Wilf McGuinness took a trip down memory lane during a visit to his care home by former United and Manchester City players.
The 86-year-old, a resident at Care UK’s Oakfield Croft, was one of the famous 'Busby Babes' and played for United and England before a broken leg cut his career short at 22.
Manchester-born Wilf then began coaching at Old Trafford, and when Sir Matt Busby retired in 1969, was appointed the youngest manager in United's history at the age of just 31.
He went on to lead United to three cup semi-finals and in 1970, became the reserve team manager and then moved to Greece to take charge of Panachaiki.
Wilf made a wish to spend an afternoon with some of Manchester’s iconic football players on the care home’s Wishing Tree, a special initiative that enables residents to revisit old careers and hobbies.
The team at Oakfield Croft organised a special reunion party and invited Tony Whealan, former Manchester United defender, to give a speech and present Wilf with a personalised Manchester United shirt.
Steve Fleet, ex-Manchester City player and old friend, and Fred Eyre, ex-Manchester City player and BBC commentator, also visited the home for the special occasion.
Wilf said: “What a surprise to see everyone, I loved it. All the hilarious stories that everyone spoke about, it brought back some amazing memories. Steve, Fred and Tony are great old friends, and it was lovely to receive the shirt. What can I say, it was a great day Oakfield Croft organised for us!”
Fred also enjoyed the special afternoon, commenting: “I had the best day ever, reliving all the old memories and chatting to the old boy footballers.”
The team adorned the home with football banners and Wilf’s England caps and shirts, and Head Chef, Paul Ogden, baked special football cupcakes for everyone to enjoy.
Daniel Cole, Home Manager at Oakfield Croft in Sale, said: “The team at Oakfield Croft made it their mission to surprise Wilf with a day he certainly won’t forget, and this special reunion did just that.
“Wilf is a football legend here in Manchester and so it was an honour to celebrate his fantastic career with some of Manchester United and Manchester City’s most iconic players. The reunion brought back so many fond memories for Wilf and he hasn’t stopped talking about it.
“I want to say a massive thank you to Tony Whealan, Steve Fleet and Fred Eyre, as well as the team here at Oakfield Croft who helped make Wilf’s wish come true!”
