Kenny Scanlon: The Later Years and Legacy of a Munich Air Disaster Survivor
Kenny Scanlon is remembered not only for his contributions to football but as one of the resilient survivors of the 1958 Munich air disaster. Following his professional playing career, Scanlon transitioned into a quiet life in the Manchester area, balancing a variety of roles while remaining a cherished figure within the Manchester United community.
Life After Football
After retiring from the sport, Scanlon returned to his roots in Manchester. He embraced a diverse range of employment outside the world of football, demonstrating a grounded approach to his post-athletic life. His roles included working as a docker in Salford and serving as a security guard at a Colgate-Palmolive factory located near Old Trafford.
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Continued Connection to Manchester United
Despite his move away from the professional game, Scanlon maintained a deep bond with Manchester United. He remained an active part of the club's history and celebrations, often appearing alongside other survivors of the Munich tragedy.
In May 2007, Scanlon joined former teammate Bill Foulkes to present the Premier League trophy to the Manchester United squad. His connection to the club was further highlighted in May 2008, when he traveled to Moscow via a private jet hired by the club to attend the Champions League final. He was accompanied by fellow survivors Bobby Charlton and Harry Gregg, while Bill Foulkes also attended the event.
Advocacy for Historical Accuracy
Scanlon was passionate about the truthful representation of the events surrounding the Munich air disaster. In 2006, he expressed dissatisfaction regarding several inaccuracies in an episode of the television series Surviving Disaster. This was particularly notable as the production company had consulted him during the making of the episode.
Final Days and Passing
On October 21, 2009, Scanlon was admitted to the Salford Royal Hospital suffering from pneumonia and kidney problems. He spent over a month in intensive care before passing away on December 22, 2009, at the age of 74.
His funeral took place on January 13, 2010, at All Souls' Church in Weaste. The service was attended by more than 300 people, including Munich survivors Bobby Charlton, Harry Gregg, and Bill Foulkes, as well as legendary former players Denis Law and Nobby Stiles.
Key Facts
- Post-football employment: Worked as a Salford docker and a security guard at a Colgate-Palmolive factory.
- Trophy presentation: Co-presented the Premier League trophy in May 2007.
- 2008 Champions League: Flown to Moscow on a private jet with Bobby Charlton and Harry Gregg.
- Death: Passed away on December 22, 2009, aged 74, following kidney problems and pneumonia.
- Funeral attendance: Over 300 people attended his service at All Souls' Church.
| Year | Event/Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Media Critique | Complained about inaccuracies in Surviving Disaster. |
| 2007 | Trophy Presentation | Presented the Premier League trophy to Manchester United. |
| 2008 | Champions League Final | Attended the final in Moscow via private jet. |
| 2009 | Passing | Died on December 22 at age 74. |
| 2010 | Funeral | Service held on January 13 at All Souls' Church. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What jobs did Kenny Scanlon hold after retiring from football?
Scanlon worked several jobs in the Manchester area, including a position as a docker in Salford and a role as a security guard at a Colgate-Palmolive factory near Old Trafford.
Why did Scanlon criticize the show Surviving Disaster?
He complained about several inaccuracies in an episode focusing on the Munich air disaster, despite the fact that the production company had consulted him.
Who accompanied Scanlon to the 2008 Champions League final in Moscow?
He was flown to Russia on a private jet with fellow Munich survivors Bobby Charlton and Harry Gregg; Bill Foulkes also attended the game.
What were the causes of Kenny Scanlon's death?
Scanlon passed away due to complications from kidney problems and pneumonia after spending more than a month in intensive care at Salford Royal Hospital.
Who attended Kenny Scanlon's funeral?
More than 300 people attended, including Munich survivors Bobby Charlton, Harry Gregg, and Bill Foulkes, as well as former players Denis Law and Nobby Stiles.