Former Scotland, Manchester United and Leeds United defender Gordon McQueen has died at the age of 70.
McQueen was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 and dementia in 2021.
Starting his career with St Mirren, McQueen was sold to Leeds and would go on to help win the English league title in 1974, the FA Cup with Manchester Utd in 1983 and play 30 times for Scotland.
He was chosen for the 1978 World Cup squad but did not play because of injury.
He scored three times on Leeds’ run to the 1975 European Cup final, but was suspended for the final defeat by Bayern Munich, and was also in the Manchester Utd side that lost the 1979 FA Cup final to Arsenal, but scored in the 3-2 loss at Wembley.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of Gordon, who died at home in the early morning today leaving behind his wife Yvonne, daughters Hayley and Anna, son Eddie and his beloved grandchildren Rudi, Etta & Ayla,” read a statement from the family.
“We hope that as-well as creating many great football memories he’ll be remembered most for his character. Our house was always full of friends, family and football just as it was in his last few months as he fought so bravely in what became a very cruel battle against dementia.
“The disease may have taken him too soon but he definitely lived life to the full, the ultimate entertainer, the absolute heart and soul of every occasion, the most fun dad anyone could wish for.
“Huge thanks goes to the wonderful staff at Herriot Hospice Homecare for their outstanding care, the utterly incredible Marie Curie team who were there at the end with Gordon’s wife & daughters & Head for Change for the emotional support & respite care.
“Also to our wonderful friends & family who rallied around at the worst of times, going above & beyond, for that we are so very grateful.”
A regular for Scotland after making his debut against Belgium in 1974, he scored five goals for his country, two of which came in the nation’s British Home Championship triumph during the 1976-77 campaign.
Born in Kilbirnie, McQueen made 57 appearances for St Mirren, 140 in six years with Leeds and 184 in seven with Man Utd.
McQueen left Old Trafford after missing out on the side that beat Everton in the 1985 FA Cup final, and had a spell with Seiko in Hong Kong before turning to coaching.
After a year as Airdrieonians manager, McQueen joined former Man Utd team-mate Bryan Robson as Middlesbrough’s reserve-team coach and later was first-team coach and scout. He also worked as a TV pundit.
More to follow.
