Thirty diehard United fans made a special trip to watch Bishop Auckland FC during the recent winter break, showing their appreciation for the north-east club’s kindness following the 1958 Munich Air Disaster.
As the Reds reeled from the loss of eight first-team players, the Bishops – then known as ‘The Kings of Amateur Football’ – loaned United three players, Warren Bradley, Bob Hardisty and Derek Lewin, to help the club fulfil all its fixtures. Bradley was later signed on a permanent basis, making 67 senior appearances and scoring 21 times.
“The last time we were up in the north-east, in December [for the Newcastle game], I saw a sign saying ‘Bishop Auckland, five miles’,” explains Dave Pye, who travels to away games on the well-known Mostonian coach.