Leeds United pay tribute following death of Terry Yorath, aged 75
The Leeds United legend's death was confirmed by his family on Thursday morning.
Leeds United have sent their ‘thoughts and deepest sympathies’ to the family of club legend Terry Yorath, who has died aged 75.
Yorath made 199 appearances for Leeds after joining in 1967, winning the 1973/74 First Division title under Don Revie. He also played for the likes of Coventry City and Tottenham Hotspur while earning 59 caps for Wales.
A statement from Yorath’s children on behalf of the family said: “To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was Dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man. Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel.”
A post on Leeds United’s official X account shortly after the news read: “Everyone at Leeds United is devastated to learn of the passing of club legend Terry Yorath. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Terry’s family, friends and former teammates at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Terry.”
A statement from Leeds, published on their website, read: “Leeds United are devastated to learn the news that club legend Terry Yorath has passed away, aged 75. Playing for the Whites during one of the most successful eras for the club, Yorath made 198 appearances in the famous shirt, having progressed through the academy and into the first team.
“He was then a regular at Elland Road following his retirement from professional football in 1986, becoming a friendly face and recalling a number of incredible stories on matchdays, over a number of years. Born in Wales, Yorath turned professional with Leeds in 1967 and went on to spend nine years at the club, making his debut against Burnley at Turf Moor on May 11th 1968.
“He scored his first goal against Newcastle United on September 1st 1971 in a 5-1 home league victory, which took place at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough Stadium. Yorath brilliantly helped Leeds reach the 1973 European Cup Winners’ Cup final and played in the showpiece event at Kaftanzoglio Stadium, Greece, where the Whites were controversially defeated 1-0 against AC Milan.
“In the following 1973/74 season, Yorath featured 28 times for Don Revie’s side scoring two goals as the Whites were crowned First Division champions for the second time in our history. In that memorable campaign, a new Football League record was set by going 29 games undefeated from the start of the campaign.
“The next season saw Yorath and Leeds reach the European Cup final for the first time. He played a key role by featuring in all eight matches on our way to Paris, helping the team overcame FC Zurich, Ujpesti Dozsa, R.S.C. Anderlecht and FC Barcelona, scoring one goal. He then lined up at the Parc des Princes, but again, Leeds lost out in controversial circumstances, this time to FC Bayern Munich.
“After helping the Whites to finish fifth in the 1975/76 campaign, Yorath was sold to Coventry City meaning he left Leeds having made 198 appearances, scoring 12 goals. The midfielder also represented Tottenham Hotspur, Vancouver Whitecaps, Bradford City and Swansea City as a player, whilst also impressively earning 59 caps for Wales before then embarking on a 23-year managerial career.
“Everyone at Leeds United will remember Terry fondly on and off pitch, and we are devastated by his passing. He will always be a club legend and we offer our sincerest condolences to his friends and family. Marching on Together, always.”
Yorath spent nine years at Leeds before spells at Coventry, Spurs, Vancouver Whitecaps, Bradford and Swansea City. He then moved into management with Swansea, Cardiff City, Bradford, Sheffield Wednesday, Lebanon and Wales.
Yorath’s daughter, broadcaster Gabby Logan, was presenting BBC’s Match of the Day on Wednesday night when she left the programme early and was replaced by Mark Chapman.