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Glasgow Live
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Fahad Tariq

Gordon McQueen dies aged 70 as tributes flood in for Scotland legend and 'wonderful dad'

Gordon McQueen has died aged 70 following a health battle, with tributes flooding in for the Scotland legend.

The Dark Blues hero scored a famous header in the victory over England in 1977. He was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2021 which his family believed was linked to years of heading the ball on the field.

During his successful career Gordon, who was brought up in Ayrshire, scored around 40 goals, the majority of which were headers.

His daughter Hayley, who followed her father's footsteps - joining Sky Sports - posted a heartbreaking tribute on social media.

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She wrote: "Beyond heartbroken to announce we have lost our wonderful dad, I thought when the day came I’d be prepared and feel a sense of relief that he is no longer trying to battle this awful disease, but I just feel numb.

"I’m hoping we can now remember him for the man he was and not the man he became this last few years. We thought we were losing him when home palliative care came to look after him back in December, we were distraught but being the big strong man that he is, battled on for many months.

Gordon McQueen (Getty Images)

"While it’s been unimaginably sad and at times unbearable for my mum who has cared for him at home we’ve had precious time with him while this cruel disease and all that comes with it completely took over, he certainly put up a fight.

"One comfort was he knew all his friends and family right till the end but to watch someone slowly die I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

"I now want to remember my Dad for the man he was, the ultimate entertainer, the life and soul of every occasion, the greatest storyteller who certainly lived life to the full, he made sure everything was one big adventure and full of so much fun for me, Anna and Eddie.

"His career gave me one too and I will be forever grateful for him passing on so much of who is and what he loved. Life really won’t be the same without him but he is now at peace."

Tributes have been flying in from the footballing world with major clubs remembering the centre-back who played for St Mirren, Leeds United and was a defender for Manchester United, in addition to the Scotland national football team.

Manchester United tweeted: "Everyone at Manchester United is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved former defender, Gordon McQueen.

"Our love and condolences are with his family at this terribly sad time."

Airdrieonians FC said: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Airdrieonians manager Gordon McQueen. Gordon, a legendary defender for Manchester United and Scotland, managed the Diamonds from 1987-1988.

"Our condolences go to Gordon's family and friends at this sad time."

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