Matchday memories: On This Day 1997 – Bussty Hosts Sky Blues Sell Out Red Devils Testimonial

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Today we remember a poignant but ultimately happy day for CCFPA member (a good friend of the Association), former Sky Blue central defender Dave Busst. We highlight, on this day (16th May) in 1997, his testimonial game at Highfield Road. Bussty, who is long time Head of Community for CCFC, directing the incredibly successful ‘Sky Blues In The Community‘ operation, tragically saw his professional playing career come to an end on 8 April 1996 playing for City against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Only two minutes into the match, the central defender was up in the Red Devils’ box for a corner when his right leg was horrifically shattered in a tackle with both Denis Irwin and Brian McLair – a career ending injury often cited as one of the worst in the history of football.

Oggy on the field; Bussty in a Les Ferdinand/ Paul Gascoigne sandwich & with Dion Dublin

After lengthy and complicated recovery from the injury after over twenty operations Bussty officially retired from the game, having never played professionally again, on 6 November 1996. The Red Devils’ management and team were so profoundly affected bu the playing tragedy that they readily agreed to turn as opponents up for Dave’s sell-out testimonial game played on 16 May 1997.

Bussty’s Coventry City ‘Select XI‘ also included guest stars like Paul Gascoigne and Les Ferdinand and appearing in the Man.United side that day for the last time in a Red Devil’s shirt was their captain Eric Cantona who announced his retirement as a player two days later. There were loads of other ‘special guests’ from the sporting and media world, typically with Sky Blue connections (like son and father CCFPA members Jonathan and Bobby Gould and broadcaster Richard Keys -left & below) who also turned up to support Bussty on and off the pitch. League Champions United turned up with their strongest possible side (complete with the Premier League trophy) with only Gary Pallister, Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane and Denis Irwin absent from the players who regularly turned out for Sir Alex Ferguson‘s side. The result of the game was perhaps incidental to the occasion.

 

The 2-2 draw saw ‘Gazza‘ opening the scoring for the Sky Blues before the visitors’ Gary Neville was brought down in the penalty area and Eric Cantona converted the spot kick for the first of his brace. The Frenchman soon gave United the lead, heading home his second goal before, surprise, surprise ‘Bussty‘ came off the Sky Blues’ bench to hit home a last minute penalty past Peter Schmeichel after Brian McClair had fouled Gordon Strachan in the box. (Peter’s son Kasper Scmeichel would later play between the sticks for the Sky Blues and has since become a CCFPA member)! Gordon’s son Gavin Strachan also played for the Sky Blues and joined the Association.

All the pictures tell the story of the game!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to CCFPA’s Dean Nelson for sourcing the photos

 

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