THIS WEEK'S anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster has sparked memories of two Busby Babes who went on to sign for Newport County, writes Josh Thomas.

Colin Webster and Kenny Morgans were part of the Manchester United squad when the crash happened on February 6, 1958.

South Wales Argus:

Kenny Morgans

Webster was scheduled to travel to Belgrade for their European Cup tie, Red Star Belgrade, having scored earlier in the competition, but flu meant he missed the trip.

South Wales Argus:

Wreckage from the plane which crashed in Munich (Picture: PA Wire)

Morgans, having captained the Red Devils to FA Youth Cup victory in 1957, burst onto the scene in a 4-0 December win against Leciester City and would go onto play in their next 10 games, including the Red Star match.

He was on board the fateful flight, but was among the survivors, having been found by journalists five hours after the crash occurred. He was the youngest of the survivors, aged just 18.

A memorial marking 61 years since the tragedy was held on Wednesday.

South Wales Argus:

Manchester United players before boarding the fateful flight in February 1958 (Picture: PA Wire)

Recalling their careers County historian Andrew Taylor, said Webster left United later in 1958, and signed for Swansea Town before joining Newport, then known as the Ironsides, in March 1963.

“Colin signed for us from Swansea Town for £4,000,” said Mr Taylor.

“That season we had a brilliant FA Cup run. He scored in a 4-0 first round replay, before we beat Watford at home 2-0 and then First Division side Sheffield Wednesday in the third round. It was one of the club’s most famous victories.”

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Morgans left United in 1961 and followed in Websters’ footsteps by signing for Swansea, before joining County in 1964.

Mr Taylor interviewed the Morgans in 2005 who told him how his Newport transfer materialised.

South Wales Argus:

Colin Webster

“Billy Lucas, who had played for Wales Schools with my father, came in to take me to County,” he said.

“I signed for County because of Billy and I’m delighted I did. Billy even let us move into his house, at Nash Grove, as he had the Black Horse pub near the ground at the time.

“It was a real family club and, although the facilities were poor, it was a pleasure to be playing again.”

After scoring five goals in 39 league appearances for the Exiles, Webster left in 1964 to sign for Worcester City.

Morgans left in 1967. He scored 46 goals in 141 appearances.