ON February 6, 1958 Manchester United changed forever as the Munich tragedy shaped both the history and future of the club.

Twenty three of the 44 passengers on board the Elizabethan charter aircraft G-ALZU died, when it crashed on take-off from Munich airport, including eight players and eight sports journalists.

Among the players to board that fateful flight from Munich were two men whose futures would have strong links with Swindon.

Team captain and England international Roger Byrne was one of the United players who died. Had he returned he would have found out that his wife, Joy, was expecting a child.

Roger Byrne junior is now the manager of Swindon Council's leisure services.

He said: "Obviously it's an emotional time for me and my family.

"It's wonderful that my father is remembered, but there's still a lot of sadness there.

"After my father died it was difficult in many ways, but from very early on my mother made the decision that we had to get on with life."

Roger is proud of how the memory of his father and the other members of Sir Matt Busby's young team, known as the Busby Babes, is being kept alive by the present-day squad.

He said: "The club have always been very supportive. My mum was given a season ticket and we always get a great reception when we go to Old Trafford.

"I heard Rio Ferdinand being interviewed on the radio yesterday and he clearly knows a lot about the club's heritage and is proud of it. I think that goes for most of the team."

Another name that will be familiar to Town fans is that of Harry Gregg.

Harry, who was to become assistant manager of Town in 1984, was also on the flight.

The Northern Ireland goalkeeper managed to crawl free from the wreckage of the team plane, which crashed just after take off.

He then braved the flames to rescue a mother and her baby.

Harry was assistant manager to another Manchester United legend, Lou Macari.

Together they helped the Robins win the Fourth Division title in 1986.

Lou Macari said: "I hope the match between Manchester United and Manchester City on Sunday passes off peacefully.

"But it is not about the game, it will be the minute's silence that really matters.

"It is up to everyone at the game to make sure it is respected and that the fans stay quiet.

"The silence has been chosen over the applause.

"That is the main part of the whole week for me."