Former Leeds United, Manchester United and Scotland defender Gordon McQueen has died at the age of 70, his family confirmed on Thursday afternoon.
McQueen started his professional career with St Mirren in 1970 and went on to play for Leeds for six years, helping them win the First Division and reach the final of the European Cup, ahead of a high-profile switch to Man United in 1978.
The Scot, who was also capped on 30 occasions by his country, won the FA Cup and Charity Shield during his time in Manchester, while he made more than 180 league appearances for the Red Devils.
McQueen was diagnosed with vascular dementia in February 2021, and it has now been confirmed that he has passed away.
A statement from his family read: "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 and Ayla.
"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 and daughters and Head for Change for the emotional support and respite care.
"Also to our wonderful friends and family who rallied around at the worst of times, going above and beyond, for that we are so very grateful."
His daughter Hayley McQueen, who is a presenter for Sky Sports News, also paid tribute to her late father on her personal Instagram account.
"Dad. Beyond heartbroken to announce we have lost our wonderful dad, I thought when the day came I'd be prepared and feel a sense of relief that he is no longer trying to battle this awful disease but I just feel numb," read the message.
"I'm hoping we can now remember him for the man he was and not the man he became this last few years. We thought we were losing him when home palliative care came to look after him back in December, we were distraught but being the big strong man that he is, battled on for many months.
"Whilst it's been unimaginably sad and at times unbearable for my mum who has cared for him at home we've had precious time with him whilst this cruel disease and all that comes with it completely took over, he certainly put up a fight. One comfort was he knew all his friends and family right till the end but to watch someone slowly die I wouldn't wish on anyone.
"I now want to remember my Dad for the man he was, the ultimate entertainer, the life and soul of every occasion, the greatest storyteller who certainly lived life to the full, he made sure everything was one big adventure and full of so much fun for me Anna & Eddie. His career gave me one too and I will be forever grateful for him passing on so much of who is and what he loved. Life really won't be the same without him but he is now at peace."
After retiring as a player, McQueen had a spell as manager of Airdrieonians, while he was also a coach and a scout at Middlesbrough, before later working as a TV pundit. body check tags ::
