Gordon McQueen dies aged 70

The 70-year-old passed away after a battle with dementia

Author: Gabriel AntoniazziPublished 15th Jun 2023

Former Scotland defender Gordon McQueen has died at the age of 70 after a battle with dementia.

McQueen played in England for the majority of his career, playing for Leeds before moving to Manchester United.

The centre back also featured 30 times for Scotland, scoring five goals.

He was diagnosed with dementia two years ago, with his condition linked to being caused by repetitive heading of the football during his playing career.

Beginnings

McQueen was born in Ayrshire and made his professional debut with St Mirren at the age of 18.

He was signed by Leeds United in 1972 as a replacement to World Cup winner Jack Charlton.

He spent six years at the Yorkshire club, making 140 league appearances.

McQueen was a crucial part of the 1973-74 First Division winning side and helped his team to the 1975 European Cup final, which they lost to Bayern Munich.

In 1978 he made a £500,000 move to rivals Manchester United, where he stayed for seven years and lifted the 1983 FA Cup.

He also had a seven-year career with country, becoming a key part of an impressive team.

He went to the 1978 World Cup in Argentina but did not play due to injury.

Battle with dementia

McQueen is one of several high-profile former footballers to be diagnosed with the disease.

More research into contact sports has found there to be a strong link between repetitive heading of the football and the disease.

Several rules to limit heading have been introduced recently across the UK after years of anti-dementia campaigning.

The latest was implemented just last week, with the Scottish FA telling clubs no heading is allowed on the day before or after a match.

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