A FORMER Manchester United star was “lost for words” after winning a £400,000 lottery jackpot.
Cliff Bull, 82, was just 15 years old when he signed for the Red Devils in October 1957.
The promising winger was picked up by legendary United manager Sir Matt Busby.
And the deal saw Bull leave school before relocating to Manchester in January 1958.
But tragedy struck just 10 days later when the Munich air disaster occurred, killing eight of the ‘Busby Babes’ and leaving Busby himself on death’s door.
Bull was not on board the flight at the time.
Yet his Old Trafford career proved to be short-lived due to a series of knee injuries.
He spent just two years at United before having a brief spell at Nottingham Forest.
But after 26 operations – leaving him with two artificial knees – Bull retired from football before retraining as a plumber.
However, 65 years after being signed for United by Busby, Bull is now counting the cash.
The ace was surprised with a massive cheque by a TV crew after winning in the People’s Postcode Lottery.
Bull received £400,000 from a total share of £3.2million after his Nottinghamshire postcode hit the big time.
And the doting family man is now planning on taking his loved ones on a mega holiday.
He said: “I’m absolutely staggered, I’m still lost for words. It opens up so many possibilities.
“I’m overwhelmed to be quite honest. It’s beyond what I could ever have dreamt.
“I can pay for a holiday for all of the family. That would be my dream for all of us to go away, which at the last count was 22.
“This would make me very happy.”
Bull also paid tribute to late wife Jeanette, adding: “The overwhelming disappointment is she’s not here to see it, but she’s a big part of this.”
Reflecting on his time at United, Bull noted: “I was 15 when I signed for Manchester United, and I signed the papers in Matt Busby’s office.
“My mum always used to say that ‘one of the greatest kicks I’ve had in my life was being able to kiss Matt Busby’.”
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