Football: Sir Bobby mourns `pal' Viollet

SIR BOBBY CHARLTON yesterday said he had lost a "good pal" following the death of Dennis Viollet, a fellow Busby Babe. Viollet, who was 65, had been ill for some time.

The two former Manchester United team-mates were especially close because they both survived the Munich air crash of 1958. Sir Bobby, who last saw Viollet at the 1997 European Cup final, said: "I've lost a good pal and he was a really, really good lad. I knew that he had been ill, but you tend to think that they will get over it. I'm just sorry this has happened and I feel so sorry for his family."

Sir Bobby recalled that Viollet was a fine striker, who but for injuries would have won more than two England caps. He set the club record for most league goals in a season when he scored 32 times in 1959-60.

Obituary, Review, page 6