Gordon McQueen, the former Scotland, Manchester United, Leeds and St Mirren defender has sadly passed away at the age of 70 due to dementia.
Beginning his career at St Mirren, McQueen played a pivotal role in Leeds’ English League Title win in 1974 and Manchester United’s FA Cup victory in 1983. Although he represented Scotland 30 times and was selected for the 1978 World Cup he was unable to participate due to injury. After concluding his football career, Mr McQueen became a highly respected pundit making appearances on Sky Sports News and faced a battle with cancer in 2022. In 2021, he was unfortunately diagnosed with dementia, prompting his family to highlight the potential risks of persistent heading in football to today’s generation of players.
‘It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of Gordon, 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 and 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 and 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 and daughters and 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 and beyond, for that we are so very grateful’
Gordon McQueen’s family
Gordon McQueen, a prominent figure in Scottish football, had an impressive career representing both club and country. With five goals for Scotland, including two crucial strikes during the British Home Championship triumph, he left a mark on the international stage. McQueen’s header at Wembley, securing a 2-1 victory over England, remains an iconic moment accompanied by the memorable Tartan Army pitch invasion.
At club level, McQueen’s scoring prowess was evident during Leeds United’s 1975 European Cup run, where he contributed three goals. However, he was suspended for the final defeat against Bayern Munich. He also featured in Manchester United’s 1979 FA Cup final loss to Arsenal, finding the net in the 3-2 defeat at Wembley.
Hailing from Kilbirnie, McQueen enjoyed successful spells with St Mirren, Leeds United, and Manchester United, accumulating a significant number of appearances for each club. He concluded his playing career after missing out on Manchester United’s triumph in the 1985 FA Cup final. McQueen ventured into coaching, managing Airdrieonians and later joining Middlesbrough as a reserve-team coach, first-team coach, and scout, alongside his former teammate Bryan Robson. Additionally, he made notable contributions as a television pundit.
Our thoughts go out to everyone who knew him.
Courtesy of SNS Group
No Comments yet!