George Best

Today is the anniversary of the death of George Best. 6 years have gone and his memory may have slipped many of the modern generation. I myself am to young to have seen him play live. I consider myself one of the unfortunate ones.

He made his first team debut back in 1963 and went on to form the historic "Holy Trinity" alongside Denis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton. Together they helped rebuild United from the tragedy of the Munich Air Crash and 10 years after that fateful day, Best scored two goals at the old Wembley to beat Benfica 4-1 in the 1968 European Cup final.

The years that followed were hard on George with the successful team around him slowly ageing whilst he was still in his prime. In his own words with the European Cup win everyone associated with the days of Busby's Babes acted like they had reached and obtained their goal. Best was of the thinking that it should have been the start of United's dominance.

What many people didn't realise through all Best's problems was an inherited condition gained from his mother. She herself died from alcoholism-related heart disease in 1978. She was only 55. With the 60's in full swing and Best's undoubted star quality led him to become a commercial dream. Money men and glamorous girls came calling.

Best left United aged just 27 in 1974, before his peak as a footballer and many felt robbed of a general star in his prime. He went on to draw crowds with appearances for club sides in South Africa, Australia, Ireland and Scotland. He also had a successful spell in America and scored arguably his greatest goal whilst playing for San Jose Earthquakes.

During his career he won 2 League Championships and 1 European Cup as well as European Footballer of the year for 1968. An undoubted genius only his longevity leaves him outside the same bracket as Pele and Diego Maradona. Maybe the rivalry between the Brazilian and Argentine legends led to Pele's bias. When Best was asked how he wanted to be remembered his response was " as the best player that ever lived. Pele said it was George Best and that's good enough for me"

6 years ago when Best lost his battle with illness the traditional minutes silence before matches was not observed. Typical of the man a minutes applause was instead held. This was a more fitting tribute to a man who had entertained millions and didn't regret to much in life.

It is important not to forget this legend. The world was robbed of some of his best years but his legacy lives on. Any youngster coming across from Ireland to English football has Best's playing career as a yardstick. Don't feel sorry for George though. Be thankful. Had he been 10 years earlier he probably would have perished in the Air Disaster and had he been born 10 years later he would have been in the midst of trying to revive United out of the old second division. Yes his time at the top wasn't long. But what moments of ageless skill and quality did he treat us to.