FOOTBALL fans from two clubs more than 100 miles apart, but forever close because of a decades-old connection, have teamed up to mark the tragedy that brought them together.

Supporters of Bishop Auckland FC and Manchester United have raised more than £2,000 to create a tribute to the 23 people killed in the Munich Air Disaster.

The Northern Echo:

The wreckage of the British European Airways plane which crashed in Munich on February 6, 1958, while bringing home members of the Manchester United football team from a European Cup match. Picture: PA

The crash, on February, 6, 1958, claimed the lives of eight Manchester United players and three Old Trafford staff along with air crew and journalists.

After the accident The Bishops, one of the top English amateur sides of the 1950s, sent three of their best players Derek Lewin, Bob Hardisty and Warren Bradley to Manchester so United could fulfil their fixtures.

That act of kindness is still remembered and when Bishop Auckland FC announced plans for a wall of personalised bricks at Heritage Park, fans from both sides felt it should include those that died in the disaster.

Fan Gavin Hadden set up a Just Giving crowdfunding page and fans donated enough to have individual bricks dedicated to all 23.

Mr Hadden said: "Supporters of Manchester United Football Club asked us, the supporters of Bishop Auckland Football Club, to help donate money for bricks in Bishop Auckland Football Club's new commemorative wall, further cementing our indelible link between the two clubs."

One Manchester United fan who made a donation wrote: "Good luck with this great tribute and thanks for the help your club gave us in those dark times. Fantastic gesture of solidarity and humanity."

Another said: "From a Manchester United supporter, in recognition of your support for my club in 1958. Good luck."

The wall, on which work will start soon, follows the unveiling of a memorial clock and plaque at Heritage Park and Bishops director Terry Jackson represented the club at a 60th anniversary service at Old Trafford last month.

Club chairman Nick Postma said a brick wall created at The Bishops' ground in 2010 is full of bricks from those proud to display their connection to the club and in memory of late fans.

He added: "The 60th anniversary brought the connection into focus and some Man United fans knew about the disaster but not the players Bishop sent down and were really touched by the story and this idea came about.

"The club is more than happy to pay its respects to those that lost their lives and continue to mark the connection between the two clubs."

Any remaining funds will go to causes chosen by both sets of fans, which in Bishop Auckland will support youth development.