The First 90 Minutes.com

Bert Trautmann was a German goalkeeper who most notably played for Manchester City between 1949 and 1964. Having been captured whilst fighting in World War II, Trautmann was transferred to a prisoner-of-war camp in England and following his release played for St Helens Town football club, after which he signed for Man. City. Despite some scepticism when the German keeper signed which resulted in mass protests, soon Trautmann won over the fans and went on to make 545 appearances for “The Citizens”. Trautmann entered football folklore when he broke his neck in the 1956 FA Cup Final yet remarkably carried on playing. Making crucial saves Trautmann helped City win the trophy and ensured his legendary status amongst the footballing world. Trautmann has since been awarded an OBE for his work for Anglo-German relations.

Can you describe how you ended up playing for an English side after fighting in the Second World War?

I played football in the POW camp and after my release I continued living in England. I played for St Helens Town and in 1949 City somehow heard about me and became interested, as they needed a replacement for the great Frank Swift. They approached me and - in a cloak and dagger operation - they signed me. Obviously many City Fans were not very happy with that, nobody wanted a German in the team in these days. 

You gained fame in the '56 Cup Final, can you describe the match and how you continued despite your neck being broken?

It was our second cup final in two years and we really wanted to win. Birmingham’s forward Peter Murphy hit me accidentally when we were in the lead in the 2nd half. I can’t really say a lot about it. It was an intense pain, like an explosion, I nearly fell unconscious. But somehow I managed to continue and we won the cup.  

What is your opinion of players today who go down injured when you played on with a broken neck?

I wouldn’t judge generally on players going down injured. If somebody is injured, he should leave the pitch. I would have left if I knew that me neck was broken. I am neither crazy nor stupid. But for my personal taste players are going down to easily, they are always looking for free kicks and - ideally - penalties. Diving should be sanctioned much heavier.  

How does it feel to be praised by players such as Yashin and Banks, who was the best goalkeeper ever in your opinion?

It sure makes me proud, to hear that. On the other hand it does not mean the whole wide world. I did my best and it’s good to hear that this was recognised. I wouldn’t want to single out a special one. There was a number of great goalies around. Frank Swift for instance, Pet Jennings or Gordon Banks.

Tell me about what you did after your playing career and what you're up to now?

After my playing career I did a lot of coaching and worked as a technical advisor, in Pakistan for instance or in Burma. I am 84 now, so these days I am not doing much apart from representative duties and the work for my foundation.

By James Bailey, my thanks and best wishes go to Bert.