Former Manchester United defender Gordon McQueen has died at the age of 70 after a battle with dementia, his family have announced.
McQueen died at home early on Thursday morning and the flags at Old Trafford are flying at half-mast today as a tribute to the former Scotland international.
He started his career at St Mirren and moved to English football with Leeds United in 1972. After a six-year spell at Elland Road, McQueen joined Manchester United in 1978 in a £495,000 deal that made him Britain's most expensive footballer at the time.
He spent seven years at Old Trafford, making 229 appearances and scoring 26 goals, and was part of the side that won the 1983 FA Cup, beating Brighton and Hove Albion in a replay at Wembley. After hanging up his boots he spent time working as a coach at Middlesbrough under his former United teammate Bryan Robson.
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A statement issued by the McQueen family said: "It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of Gordon McQueen, 70, 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.
"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 & 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 and respite care.
"Also to our wonderful friends and family who rallied around at the worst of times, going above & beyond, for that we are so very grateful."
Bryan Robson said: "Gordon was one of the best centre-backs I had the privilege of playing with. He was strong and brave, and ahead of his times in being a defender who could play out from the back and contribute as much in attack as he did in defence. He was a perfect fit for Manchester United with his flair, courage and big personality, and that’s why the fans loved him.
"Most importantly, though, he was a brilliant person with a huge heart. He lit up any room he walked into, and that’s how he should be remembered.
"Gordon and his family have been dear friends for over four decades and Denise and I are heartbroken by this news. We send our love and deepest condolences to Yvonne, Hayley, Anna, Eddie and all the McQueen family."
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