Source: TheGuardian
The Keeper review – back-of-the-net tale of the PoW goalkeeper
The true story of Bert Trautmann, the German who played for Manchester City after the second world war, is a heartfelt blend of romance and footballNo goalkeeper ever had more anxiety at the penalty kick, or anywhere else, than Bert Trautmann, the German PoW who stayed on in Britain after the second world war, played for Manchester City from 1949 to 1964, and in the victorious 1956 FA Cup final became a legend for playing to the final whistle with a broken neck.Initially, the very presence of this former Wehrmacht soldier caused outrage in Manchester, particularly among its Jewish community. But Trautmann’s sincere disgust at Nazi war crimes, his decency, humility, marriage to a British woman – and his great performances on the pitch – won the city over. What proved decisive was a remarkable open letter to the press from Manchester’s communal rabbi, Alexander Altmann, asking for Trautmann to be given a chance. Related: From Nazi to football hero: the incredible story of Man City's Bert Trautmann Continue reading......read full article
