If I were to tell you the story of the prisoner of war who played football amongst the enemy, you could be forgiven for thinking I was talking about 'Escape To Victory.' Although, this is a story of fact not fiction - it is the story of Bert Trautmann.

German soldier Trautmann, who was captured by the British in 1945, was sent to a POW camp in Ashton, Makerfield. The 22 year olds future looked extremely bleak in a place where his fellow countrymen were not exactly flavour of the month.

Football was one of his welcome distractions, and eventually would see him become a very unexpected member of the top flight in England. Trautmann's impressive displays saw him join St Helens Town at the end of the war, and from there he earned himself a big move to Manchester City in 1949.

Unsurprisingly, the talented young keeper was not an instant crowd favourite at Maine Road. There was outrage from City fans and people throughout the country concerning the signing of a German player. There were threats of boycotts and letters of disapproval all arising from Trautmann's arrival at City.

The long term future of the goalkeeper in Manchester did not appear to be encouraging - that was until he pulled on a City shirt. Few would of believed that Trautmann would go on to make 545 appearances for the Blues over a 15 year period.

This City legend overcame all of the odds to become respected throughout the football community. His reputation was further enhanced by an amazing incident in the 1956 FA Cup Final. During the course of the game, which City overcame Birmingham 3-1, Trautmann had put on a brave display. It was only three days after the final that x-rays revealed that Trautmann had obtained a broken neck during the game. The giant German's heroics saw him win Footballer of the Year, and ensured he would go done in FA Cup Final history.

Trautmann was rewarded for his long and dedicated service to City with a testimonial, which saw 60,000 people attend, not bad for the evil German who no one had originally wanted!

After his playing days were over he tried his hand at management with Stockport County, and then fulfilled a role as an overseas coaching role for the German FA.