On an inclement Manchester afternoon back in November 1985, men in their raincoats were hurrying from the car park towards the old players’ entrance of the ‘Theatre of Dreams’. Not that it was known by that name when they had performed on the turf of Old Trafford.
Of varying ages, the men were not too familiar with the corridors and reception rooms of the modern stadium, but eventually they found their way to a hospitality suite where tables were laid out for a meeting.
That afternoon proved to be an historic one, as it resulted in the formation of the Association of Former Manchester United Players – the first formal Ex-Players’ Association in the UK.
United’s former club captain with the record number of first team appearances at that time, Billy Foulkes, was elected the first Chairman. Subsequently Sir Matt Busby accepted the position of Patron. Martin Edwards accepted the position of President.
Since that November day 39 years ago, the Association has gone from strength to strength. Players who have served the club with such distinction; Charlie Mitten, David Herd, Harry McShane, Kevin Moran, Alan Gowling and John Doherty have taken the role of Chairman, while David Sadler had been Secretary since the Association’s inauguration. Wilf McGuinness has served as the Chairman following the sad passing of John Doherty in 2007.
The Association is in touch with nearly 300 former players, many famous names mixed with players who just signed professional forms are welcome. The AFMUP is not an elitist organisation.
In its constitution, the aims of the Association promote friendship, support and charitable work as its main objectives. Players of different eras have come to know each other and local charities have benefited from donations of well over £1million.
There is a well-established programme of events. The Reunion dinner gives members the opportunity to bring a personal guest to share an evening of friendship. The Charity Golf Day at Northenden Golf Club attracts over 60 teams when an ex-player or other celebrity make up the teams of four. The proceeds of the golf day have enabled the Association to make regular donations to charities such as the Pat Broadbent Leukaemia Research Fund.
A Charity Sportsman’s Dinner in the autumn sees about 400 guests enjoying an evening at Old Trafford. Many footballers from United’s halcyon days attend these functions. We have enjoyed the company of former manager Sir Alex Ferguson on many occasions.
These notes were penned in part by the Association’s Treasure the late Warren Bradley who, after the Munich Air Crash as a player, helped give Manchester United a future and typically continued to help shape it, bringing his scholarly gifts to bear on the successful development of the United Players’ Association.