Former Leeds United defender dies age 70
His family say dementia, which he was diagnosed with over two years ago, has "taken him too soon"
Last updated 15th Jun 2023
Former Scotland defender Gordon McQueen has died aged 70 after his battle with dementia.
McQueen, whose 16-year playing career during the 1970s and 80s included spells at St Mirren, Leeds and Manchester United, was diagnosed with vascular dementia in early 2021.
A statement issued on behalf of the McQueen family said: "It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather.
"We hope that as well as creating many great football memories for club and his country, he will be remembered for the love, laughter and bravery that characterised his career and his family life - not least during his recent battles with ill health.
"Our house was always a buzz of friends, family and football and this constant support sustained him as he fought bravely against the cruel impact of dementia.
"The disease may have taken him too soon and while we struggle to comprehend life without him, we celebrate a man who lived life to the full: the ultimate entertainer, the life and soul of every occasion, the heart and soul of every dressing room, the most fun dad, husband and grandfather we could ever have wished for."
"Crucial" to Leeds European Cup Final
In his first season at Elland Road he helped Leeds reach, and played in the 1973 European Cup Winners’ Cup final against AC Milan. During the 1973/74 campaign, McQueen formed a key partnership in the heart of the Leeds defence with Norman Hunter and the Whites went on a 29-game unbeaten run in the First Division at the start of the campaign.
He made a total of 36 league appearances as Don Revie’s side were crowned champions of England for the second time in the club’s history.
At the end of the season, he won the first of his 30 caps for Scotland, making his international debut against Belgium. During the 1974/75 campaign, McQueen played a crucial role in helping Leeds reach the 1975 European Cup final, scoring three goals on route, but was unavailable for the final in Paris against Bayern Munich, after being sent-off against FC Barcelona in the semi-final second-leg at the Nou Camp.
He was twice named the club’s Player of the Season in 1974/75 and 1977/78, along with twice being selected in the PFA Team of the Year in 1974/75 and 1977/78.
In 1978, he went on to join rivals Manchester United, with whom he won the FA Cup and Charity Shield in 1983.
McQueen returned to Elland Road in 2019, with many former players, staff and legends as part of the club’s centenary celebrations and was also given the Freedom of the City of Leeds, along with the rest of the Leeds United team from 1967-1974.