Signing Info:
Transferred from: Cardiff City, 05/1952, £
Previous Clubs:
Cardiff City
Debut:
28/11/1953 v Portsmouth (A) 1-1 (League Division One)
Farewell:
Transferred to Swansea City, 10/1958, £7,500
Passed Away:
01/03/2001
Biography
Colin Webster was one of the most naturally gifted attacking players to emerge from Wales during the early 1950s and became an exciting member of Sir Matt Busby's famous Manchester United side. Blessed with outstanding pace, excellent dribbling ability and a powerful shot, Webster thrilled supporters with his direct running and eye for goal during an important period in the club's history.
Born in Cardiff on 3 June 1932, Webster developed his football in South Wales before attracting the attention of Manchester United's scouts. Busby recognised his attacking talent and brought him to Old Trafford, where he made his first-team debut 28/11/1953 v Portsmouth (A) 1-1 (League Division One).
Webster quickly established himself as a dangerous left winger. His willingness to take on defenders, deliver accurate crosses and score spectacular goals made him an important attacking outlet. Although competition for places in Busby's talented young squad was fierce, Webster consistently demonstrated the quality expected of a Manchester United winger.
One of his finest campaigns came during the 1955/56 season, when Manchester United won the First Division title. Webster played an important supporting role as the youthful "Busby Babes" claimed the league championship, contributing valuable goals and performances throughout the campaign. He remained involved as United successfully defended the title in 1956/57, helping establish the club as one of England's dominant sides.
Despite his obvious ability, Webster's career at Old Trafford was interrupted by injuries and inconsistency. The emergence of other talented young forwards also limited his opportunities, but whenever selected he remained capable of producing moments of real brilliance.
During his time with Manchester United he made 79 competitive appearances, scoring an impressive 31 goals, an excellent return for a winger. His goals-per-game ratio reflected both his finishing ability and his attacking instincts.
Returning to his native Wales in 1958 Webster left Manchester United transferring to Swansea City in the October for £7,500. He later enjoyed spells with Newport County, and some non-league football for Worcester City and Merthyr Tydfil, continuing to display the flair that had first brought him to prominence.
On the international stage Webster represented Wales, earning senior caps during a period when Welsh football possessed several outstanding attacking players. His international recognition confirmed the high regard in which he was held throughout British football.
Although his Manchester United career was shorter than many of his Busby Babes contemporaries, Colin Webster remains remembered as one of the gifted attacking players of the Busby era. His speed, creativity and goals helped lay the foundations for one of the greatest young teams in English football history, and his contribution to United's championship-winning sides ensures his place in the club's rich heritage.
