'He will be missed greatly' - Leeds United's past and present pay tribute to Elland Road legend Peter Lorimer

Leading figures have paid touching tributes to Peter Lorimer, as the city comes together to mourn the death of Leeds United's legendary record goalscorer.
Peter Lorimer during pre-season training in July 1969. Pic: GettyPeter Lorimer during pre-season training in July 1969. Pic: Getty
Peter Lorimer during pre-season training in July 1969. Pic: Getty

Lorimer, who made 705 appearances for the Whites and scored 238 goals for the club, helped claim seven trophies during his time at Elland Road, which came across two spells.

Lash - as he was affectionately known - earned two league titles and an FA Cup trophy as he won every major domestic honour during his first spell in West Yorkshire, which spanned from 1962 to 1979.

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He later returned under the stewardship of close friend and former teammate Eddie Gray for two seasons between 1983 and 1985, before hanging up his boots in 1986.

Lorimer also represented Scotland 21 times, scoring four goals during a seven-year international career for the Tartan Army.

Tributes have been paid to the club legend from Leeds United's past and present, after the club was thrust into mourning amid the loss of another true legend.

"Peter was a truly great player, but he was also a great man," former roommate, teammate and manager Eddie Gray said.

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"Peter could do anything. He could go by people; he was a great crosser of the ball. People think about him and his tremendous shot, which he did have, but he was also a great goalscorer and great footballer.

"He will be sorely missed by all the Leeds United fans."

Elland Road chairman Andrea Radrizzani took to social media along with a number of United's first team players.

"Another legend has left us," the Italian wrote. "My prayers with the family. It has been an honour to meet you and host you at Elland Road, your home."

Club captain Liam Cooper said: "Fly High Peter. A legend that we all aspire to be like. Sending all our love to Peter's family."

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Kalvin Phillips added: "Devastated with this sad news. Rest In Peace Peter Lorimer. Leeds United legend! Sending all the love to his family and friends. Stay strong."

Stuart Dallas wrote: "After the high of last night (at Fulham), we learn of such sad news this morning. My thoughts are with Peter's family and friends at this difficult time."

Whites CEO Angus Kinnear also spoke on behalf of the club at Lorimer's untimely passing, which came following a long term illness.

"It is an incredibly sad day for Leeds United, Peter Lorimer epitomised the word legend," Kinnear said.

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"Not only was he our record goal scorer from a decorated era of our history, but he continued to work closely with the club until it was no longer possible in recent months. Our thoughts are with Sue and all of his family, he will be missed greatly.”

Former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford had a glowing tribute for what he described as a "sad loss" for everyone connected with the Whites.

"I am really sad to hear obviously of the tragic passing," he said.

"He's one of those people that just made you feel welcome and comfortable, immediately, whenever you were in his presence. He was just a genuinely nice person.

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"It's a sad, sad loss and my thoughts go out to his family and friends and anybody and everybody that has met him before."

Two former managers in Simon Grayson and Neil Redfearn were quick to send messages of condolence, taking to social media to do so.

"Terrible news that Leeds United have lost another legend of the club," Grayson wrote. "That will be some team looking down on us that we've lost this last year or so. RIP Lash."

Redfearn added: "RIP Peter Lorimer, a great player and ambassador for Leeds United."

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Ex-teammate Ian Baird also wrote: "Another terribly sad day for Leeds United with the loss of the great Peter Lorimer. When I joined Leeds, in 1985, ‘Lash’ was very good to me and helped me settle in. He was a great guy. RIP."

Elland Road favourite Vinnie Jones sent a video message following the news: "I'd like to join the tributes to Peter Lorimer. An absolute legend and a very good friend.

"When I first joined Leeds he told me that if you like this crowd and play for them and give your all they will love you forever. It was so true.

"I had so much admiration for the man. He became a friend. Rest in peace, Peter. Lots of love to the family and Leeds United supporters."

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Bradley Johnson, ex-Whites midfielder, said: "We have lost an absolute gentleman of a man, a legend on & off the pitch for Leeds United. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. Rest in heavenly peace, Mr Peter Lorimer."

The Scottish Football Association also remembered his contribution to the Tartan Army, during a stellar playing career.

A statement read: "We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former Scotland international, Peter Lorimer.

"In addition to an outstanding career with Leeds United, Peter won 21 Scotland caps, playing all three matches at the 1974 World Cup and scoring against Zaire."

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