Tommy Taylor was one of the most prolific strikers in English football history, renowned for his exceptional goal-scoring ability and powerful presence on the pitch. To mark what would have been his birthday, we take a look at the player whose life was cruelly cut short by the Munich Air Disaster.
As a key player for Manchester United in the 1950s, Taylor became a vital part of Sir Matt Busby’s legendary “Busby Babes.” His untimely death in the Munich Air Disaster tragically cut short a career that promised even greater achievements. However, his legacy as a footballing icon endures. This article explores Taylor’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming a key figure at Manchester United and England, before touching briefly on the tragic events of Munich.
Tommy Taylor was born on January 29, 1932, in Smithies, Barnsley, a working-class mining town in South Yorkshire. Like many boys in the area, he grew up playing football on the streets and in local leagues, showing promise from an early age. His talent was recognized when he joined Barnsley’s youth system, where he developed into a formidable forward.
Taylor’s professional career began with Barnsley FC in 1949 when he signed as a 17-year-old. His early performances for the club showcased his natural goal-scoring ability, physical strength, and aerial prowess, which would become defining traits of his game. He quickly established himself in Barnsley’s first team, scoring regularly in the Second Division. His performances did not go unnoticed, and soon, some of the biggest clubs in England began monitoring his progress.
In 1953, Manchester United manager Matt Busby identified Taylor as the perfect addition to his young, dynamic squad. United, who had won the First Division title in 1952, were building a team of talented youngsters, later known as the “Busby Babes.” Busby saw Taylor as the ideal center-forward to lead the line.
United secured Taylor’s signature in March 1953 for £29,999, a fee deliberately set just under £30,000 to avoid burdening the young player with the pressure of a record transfer. A free set of training kits was included in the deal to round the number up. Taylor quickly adapted to life at Old Trafford, making an immediate impact.
Taylor’s arrival at Manchester United coincided with the team’s evolution into one of the most exciting attacking sides in English football. His ability to score with both feet and his head made him an invaluable asset. He was particularly dominant in the air, using his strength and precise timing to outmuscle defenders.
His first full season with United, 1953-54, saw him score 22 league goals, proving his worth as a lethal striker. The following season, Taylor formed a devastating partnership with Dennis Viollet and Johnny Berry, as Busby’s side continued to develop into a title-challenging team.
The 1955-56 season was a breakthrough campaign for Manchester United, with the Busby Babes storming to the First Division title. Taylor was instrumental in this success, scoring 25 goals in 33 league matches, finishing as the club’s top scorer. His consistent performances and knack for scoring in crucial moments made him a fan favorite at Old Trafford.
United successfully defended their league title in 1956-57, with Taylor once again playing a pivotal role. That season, he scored 34 goals in all competitions, further cementing his reputation as one of England’s finest forwards. His performances were not only crucial domestically but also on the European stage.
With the introduction of the European Cup, Manchester United became the first English team to compete in continental football. Taylor thrived in Europe, scoring crucial goals against top European sides, including a stunning hat-trick against Anderlecht in 1956. His dominance in the air made him a nightmare for defenders, and he played a key role in United reaching the semi-finals in the 1956-57 season, where they were eventually eliminated by Real Madrid.
Taylor’s form for Manchester United earned him international recognition, and he made his debut for England in 1953 against Argentina. His international career was just as impressive as his club performances.
Over the next five years, he became a key figure in England’s attack, forming a formidable strike partnership with Nat Lofthouse. Taylor’s ability to score goals against the world’s best teams was evident in his 16 goals from just 19 international caps, an incredible strike rate that highlighted his clinical finishing.
One of his finest moments for England came in a 1957 World Cup qualifier against Denmark, where he scored a hat-trick, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess on the international stage. Many believed he would have played a key role in England’s 1958 World Cup campaign had fate not intervened.
On February 6, 1958, Manchester United were returning from a European Cup tie against Red Star Belgrade when their plane crashed after refueling in Munich, Germany. Tommy Taylor was among the 23 people who lost their lives in the disaster, which devastated the footballing world.
At just 26 years old, Taylor was at the peak of his career, with many believing he could have gone on to become one of the greatest English strikers of all time. His record for Manchester United stood at 131 goals in 191 appearances, a remarkable achievement that showcased his talent and impact on the club.
Despite his career being cut short, Tommy Taylor’s legacy lives on in Manchester United’s history. He was part of a golden generation that revolutionized English football, helping to lay the foundation for the club’s future success.
His combination of physicality, technical skill, and an eye for goal made him one of the most feared forwards of his era. Fans and football historians often wonder what might have been had he lived longer. Given his trajectory, he could have broken numerous records at both club and international levels.
Taylor’s influence also extended beyond his playing career. His tragic passing, along with that of his teammates, led to a rebuilding phase at Manchester United, eventually culminating in their European Cup triumph in 1968—a victory dedicated to the Busby Babes who perished in Munich.
Even decades after his passing, Taylor’s name is still spoken with reverence among United supporters. His presence is commemorated at Old Trafford, and he remains an integral part of the club’s rich history.
Tommy Taylor was a once-in-a-generation footballer whose contributions to Manchester United and England remain unforgettable. His incredible goal-scoring ability, strength, and presence on the pitch made him a standout performer of the 1950s. Though his career was tragically cut short by the Munich Air Disaster, his impact on football endures.
Taylor’s story is one of talent, determination, and immense promise. He was a player who epitomized the spirit of Manchester United—fearless, gifted, and dedicated. While the world never got to see the full extent of his potential, his legacy as one of the finest strikers of his era remains intact.
