Former Leeds United defender Gordon McQueen has died, aged 70, following a battle with dementia.
McQueen signed for the Whites from St Mirren in 1972 and was immediately plugged into the great Don Revie team, helping Leeds reach the 1973 European Cup Winners' Cup final against AC Milan in his first year, before winning First Division the following season, when he formed a formidable partnership with Norman Hunter in central defence.
His impressive form continues after Revie's exit as Leeds reached the 1975 European Cup final, for which he was suspended for after he red card against Barcelona in the semi-final second leg at Camp Nou.
McQueen claimed the club's Player of the Season awards in the 1974/75 and 1977/78 seasons, during which he was also named in the PFA Team of the Year.
READ MORE: Don Revie's iconic Leeds United team awarded Freedom of the City
He left Elland Road for rivals Manchester United in 1978 and would end his career with 30 Scotland caps. In 2019, McQueen returned to Elland Road for the club's centenary celebrations, as the legendary Revie team were handed the Freedom of the City of Leeds.
McQueen was sadly diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2021. The McQueen family released a statement on Thursday confirming that he has passed away.
"It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather," it read.
"We hope that as well as creating many great football memories for club and his country, he will be remembered for the love, laughter and bravery that characterised his career and his family life – not least during his recent battles with ill health.
"Our house was always a constant buzz of friends, family and football and this constant support sustained him as he fought bravely against the cruel impact of dementia.
"The disease may have taken him too soon and while we struggle to comprehend life without him, we celebrate a man who lived life to the full: the ultimate entertainer, the life and soul of every occasion, the heart and soul of every dressing room, the most fun dad, husband and papa we could ever have wished for.
"The family would like to express our huge thanks to the wonderful staff at Herriot Hospice Homecare for their outstanding care; the utterly incredible Marie Curie team who were there with us all until the end with; and Head for Change for the emotional support and respite care.
"Finally, to our wonderful friends and family who a constant source of support we send our utmost love and gratitude.
"You will remain in our hearts always, Yvonne, Hayley, Anna, Eddie, Rudi, Etta and Ayla."
