On This Day – 8th April
It was on this day in 1996 that Coventry City’s David Busst’s career was ended after breaking his leg in a league match with Manchester United.
The horrific injury happened at Old Trafford as Busst went in for a challenge with United’s Dennis Irwin and Brian McClair.
Busst spent the next six weeks in hospital, undergoing ten operations in the first twelve days. In all, he required 22 operations on his leg.
His playing career was sadly over, but Coventry still organised a Testimonial in his honour.
The testimonial match was played against Manchester United at Highfield Road at the end of the following season. Players such as Paul Gascoigne and Les Ferdinand starred for Coventry in the game. Busst scored a penalty in the match to level the scores at 2-2.
After retiring from his playing career, Busst became the Director of Coventry City’s Football in the Community scheme.
He went on to manage two non-league sides; Solihull Borough from 2000 until 2003 and Evesham United from 2003 to 2006.
In 2008, he played briefly for Highgate United, where his brother was Assistant Manager at the time.
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