The world of football is in mourning following the death of Terry Yorath, the revered Welsh midfielder and former national team manager. He passed away at the age of 75 after a short illness.
A Family's Heartfelt Tribute
His children, including BBC Sport presenter Gabby Logan, released a joint statement paying a moving tribute to their father. "To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was Dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man," they said. "Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel."
Gabby Logan posted a poignant image of her father in his Wales kit on Instagram, captioned: "Rest in Peace Dad. Our hearts are broken. Your love and legacy lives on." She left Wednesday's edition of Match of the Day early due to a family emergency, with host Mark Chapman stepping in.
A Storied Playing Career
Terry Yorath enjoyed a distinguished playing career, most notably with Leeds United. He made close to 200 appearances for the club over nine years and was a key member of the squad that won the First Division title in 1974.
A year later, he achieved another milestone by becoming the first Welshman to play in a European Cup final. His club career also included spells at Coventry City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Bradford City. On the international stage, he earned 59 caps for Wales.
Management and Personal Tragedy
After hanging up his boots, Yorath moved into management in 1986. He took charge of clubs including Swansea City, Bradford City, and Cardiff City. He also managed the Wales national team, famously guiding them to the brink of qualification for the World Cup finals.
His tenure in football was marked by profound personal tragedy. In 1992, his 15-year-old son Daniel died from the genetic heart condition hypertrophic cardiomyopathy while playing football at home with his father.
Yorath was also involved in one of football's darkest days. In May 1985, as a player-coach at Bradford City, he was in the dugout during the Valley Parade fire, a disaster which claimed the lives of 56 supporters and injured 270.
The legacy of Terry Yorath is one of immense sporting achievement and profound personal strength, remembered as both a football legend and a devoted family man.
