Emotional tributes to Gordon McQueen after former Boro coach and formidable Scottish defender dies

Tributes have poured in for a much-loved Scotland defender and ex-Middlesbrough FC coach following his sad passing.

The family of legendary defender Gordon McQueen has announced his death on social media leaving the football community devastated. Mr McQueen played for Leeds for six years between 1972 and 1978, and Manchester United between 1978 and 1985.

The 70-year-old joined Middlesbrough FC in 1995 after hanging up his boots quickly establishing himself as a popular and important figure. Mr McQueen left the club in 2001 before returning as a scout in 2008.

READ MORE: Former Middlesbrough star attracting Championship interest as defender considers next move

His passing was announced by his daughter, Sky Sports News presenter Hayley, on Instagram.

She wrote: “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.

“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 & 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.(A big thanks to my employers sky sports who have been incredible throughout this & for all the time off & support they’ve given me this last year or so).”

Former Scotland defender Gordon McQueen has died aged 70 after his battle with dementia.

Middlesbrough FC has also released a heartfelt statement paying tribute to the defender it reads: “A formidable defender in his playing days, the Scot joined Leeds United in 1972 as a long-term replacement for Boro-bound Jack Charlton, winning the First Division title in 1973/74 and playing in the final of the European Cup the following year.

“A move to Manchester United followed, where he scored in a memorable FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal at Wembley in 1979, and eventually lifted the trophy in 1983. He was capped 30 times for his country, once as captain, and was part of the Scottish squad at the 1978 World Cup.

“After hanging up his boots, Gordon coached with Airdrieonians and boyhood club St Mirren, before joining Boro in 1995 under friend and former Red Devils teammate Bryan Robson.

“Quickly establishing himself as a popular and important figure in what would prove one of the club’s most exciting eras, his first role with Boro was reserve team coach, a position he held for five years, before a further two spent in Robson’s first team coaching staff.

“Leaving Boro alongside Robson in 2001, he returned to the club as a scout in 2008.

“He remained in the area following his time with Boro, based in Hutton Rudby, and daughter Hayley was part of the flagship BoroTV channel before going on to become a household name with Sky Sports, where Gordon was also a regular contributor.

“Gordon passed away on Thursday morning, aged 70, after a battle with dementia. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

READ NEXT