Leeds United
Leeds United and the wider football community are in mourning following the passing of Terry Yorath, a legendary figure in the sport. Yorath, who made 198 appearances for Leeds United and captained the Welsh national team, was remembered fondly by his daughter, Gabby Logan, and many others who knew him.
Gabby Logan said: “To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man. Your love and legacy lives on.” She later added in a post to social media: “Thank you for your messages of love and support today, it has meant the world to us. Our Dad a warrior on the football pitch, captaining club and country, a kind-hearted and generous man off it, would have hated all the attention. (Well most of it). He touched so many people’s lives.”
Gabby Logan continued: “We knew he had limited time, but it is still a shock. Yesterday afternoon I sat by his bed in St James Hospital Leeds and we had a debate about whether roast potatoes were better with calves liver than mash potatoes. That was the meal he’d decided he wanted when he went home, tomorrow. I left and went to work, he was looking forward to watching Newcastle v his beloved Leeds. He won’t go home tomorrow. But he is reunited with Daniel and that will feel like home.”
Gabby Logan added: “I am sorry he had to deal with so much pain, the tragedy of the Bradford Fire was forever in his heart and losing Daniel defined the second half of his life. Thank you Dad for instilling your passion for fairness. Thank you for playing rounders, or making us race each other after dinner, even though Louise always beat me. Thank you for not making me pay you $1,865,986 after I kept losing at cards on double or quits, when I was 8 years old.”
Gabby Logan concluded: “Thanks for teaching me the value of money by challenging me to eat a pot of mustard at dinner in return for £5 so I could buy a pair of shoes I wanted when I was 12 (even though mum was horrified). Thank you for giving me a lifelong love of sport. Thank you for being a relentless tease with a wicked sense of humour. And to the wonderful staff on J16 at Jimmys who cared for him with such tenderness, you are all Angels. I love you Dad.”
Yorath’s legacy extends beyond his playing days at Leeds United, where he won the old First Division title in 1974. His impact on Welsh football was profound, earning 59 caps for Wales and managing the national team to its highest-ever FIFA ranking at the time. The Football Association of Wales recognized his contributions, stating that he will be remembered for his significant impact on the game in Wales.
The club said: “Everyone at Leeds United will remember Terry fondly on and off the 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.”
The Football Association of Wales stated: “Terry Yorath will be remembered in Wales for his contribution to the game.”
Former Bradford striker Dean Windass posted his tribute on X, writing: “Sad news, great man and a gentleman. Thoughts go to his family RIP.”
Terry Yorath’s passing is a significant loss to the football community, but his legacy as a player, manager, and family man will continue to inspire future generations.
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