McQueen, who won the FA Cup with Manchester United in 1983 and made 30 caps for Scotland, was identified with vascular dementia in 2021. His child, Sky Sports News speaker Hayley McQueen, commemorates the “ultimate performer” and says her family are “sad” by his death.
By Siba Jackson, news press reporter
Former Manchester United and Scotland protector Gordon McQueen has actually passed away aged 70.
McQueen, who won the FA Cup with Manchester United in 1983 and made 30 caps for Scotland, was identified with vascular dementia in 2021.
His child, Hayley, a Sky Sports News speaker, published a photo of her family together with a caption explaining how they are “beyond sad” to reveal the death of their “fantastic daddy” on Thursday.
She composed: “I believed when the day came I’d be prepared and feel a sense of relief that he is no longer attempting to fight this horrible illness however I simply feel numb.
“I’m hoping we can now remember him for the man that he was and not the man that he became this last couple of years.”
Hayley McQueen hailed her daddy for “fighting on for numerous months” and “arguing” after his medical diagnosis.
She included: “I now wish to remember my Dad for the man he was, the ultimate performer, the life and soul of every celebration, the best writer who definitely lived life to the complete.”
McQueen started his profession dipping into St Mirren prior to moving to Leeds United in 1972, aged 22, where he won a league title.
He signed for Manchester United in 1978, winning the FA Cup in 1983 prior to hanging up his boots in 1985.
The footballer then went on to handle Airdrie and coached for St Mirren and Middlesborough, prior to working as a tv expert.
Manchester United published an obituary to McQueen on the group website, composing: “Everybody at Manchester United is deeply saddened to learn that previous Reds protector Gordon McQueen has actually died at the age of 70.
“It was difficult to miss out on Gordon, either on a football field or in a dressing room.
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“A giant of a man with a shock of energetic blonde hair, the Scottish global centre-half stood apart in the heat of the action like a blazing beacon on a dark night.
“When he was at his finest and devoid of injury, he exuded command and charm at the heart of the Manchester United rearguard while, as an inspiring morale-booster, he brought wicked humour and an unquenchable bonhomie, which endeared him to team-mates like couple of others.”
Hundreds paid their aspects to McQueen on social networks after his death was revealed.
FIFA, The Scottish FA, Leeds United, Manchester United, St Mirren and Middlesborough all shared Twitter homages, signed up with by numerous other football clubs.
Former Reds star Mickey Thomas composed: “Very sad news today of the loss of my previous colleague, Gordon McQueen.
“Amazing protector, a huge man with a huge heart.”
Presenter Jeff Stelling explained the late footballer as a “beautiful mild giant of a man with a massive heart”, including: “Gone far prematurely.”
Former striker Bernie Slavern tweeted after knowing of McQueen’s death: “Big Gordon was some character.”
Among the homages from fans, one composed to McQueen’s child: “Hayley, your Dad was among the factors I ended up being a Red. Magnificent man in a fantastic side. My inmost compassions to you & your entire family. He will never ever be forgotten. Incredibly brave, solid & figured out in his football profession and a lot more so in health problem. A Warrior.”
The 6ft 4in Scot, born in Ayrshire, began his expert profession after a quick stint as a labourer in a steelworks.
He triggered fury and discouragement amongst Elland Road fans after signing up with Manchester United in 1978 for £495,000 – making him Britain’s most pricey football gamer at the time.
Former Reds captain, Bryan Robson, hailed McQueen as a “dazzling individual with a big heart” and “among the very best centre-backs I had the benefit of having fun with”.
“He was strong and brave, and ahead of his times in being a protector who might play out from the back and contribute as much in attack as he performed in defence.
“He was a best suitable for Manchester United with his style, guts and huge character, which’s why the fans liked him.”
Robson included: “He illuminated any room he strolled into, which’s how he needs to be kept in mind.”
