Football legend who became Rutland landlord dies aged 90
Jeff Whitefoot was one of the original Busby Babes
Last updated 4th Jul 2024
Former Manchester United player Jeff Whitefoot has died at the age of 90.
Whitefoot was one of the original Busby Babes, a team that took the First Division by storm in the 1950s and was known for its youth and exciting brand of football under legendary manager Sir Matt Busby.
He left for Second Division club Grimsby three months before the Munich air disaster, which killed eight of his teammates among the Busby Babes in 1958.
Whitefoot won the First Division title twice under Sir Matt Busby, in 1952 and 1956, before going on to enjoy FA Cup success with Nottingham Forest in 1959.
The England Under-23 midfielder became United's youngest league debutant when given his opportunity, aged 16 years and 105 days, in April 1950.
He made 285 appearances for Forest before retiring in 1967.
After retirement from professional football, Jeff and wife Nell ran the Wheatsheaf pub, in Oakham, for 13 years until 1999, and spent their final years living in the town.
A statement from United read: "There were few more perceptive and precise passers of a football in England than Jeff during the mid-1950s.
"May he rest in peace, with a special place in club folklore long since assured."
Forest said in a statement: "Everyone at Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jeff Whitefoot, at the age of 90.
"Jeff spent nine years at The City Ground between 1958 and 1967, and was the last surviving member of the side which famously lifted the FA Cup in 1959."