FOOTBALL legend Terry Yorath has died aged 75 following a short illness.
The devastating news came hours after his daughter Gabby Logan was forced to leave Match of the Day midway through the show yesterday due to a “family emergency”.
Terry Yorath has died aged 75Credit: Gareth Copley
Terry pictured at home with family in March 1978 with wife Christine Yorath, daughters Gabby (4) and Louise (3) and son Daniel (1)Credit: Getty Images
Gabby Logan was forced to leave Match of the Day midway through Wednesday’s show
Yorath’s family announced his death in a statement this morning.
Speaking on behalf of the family, his children said: “To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was Dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man.
“Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel.”
Born in Cardiff in 1950, Terry was a distinguished and highly respected figure within professional football, leaving an indelible mark both as a player and as a manager.
He also frequently captained the Welsh side for which he played a leading role in a total of 59 internationals.
Terry later took on the role of national team manager in the early 1990s, coming agonisingly close to qualifying for the 1994 World Cup.
But his team were beaten 2-1 by Romania in their final qualifier.
Terry is survived by his children Gabby, Louise, and Jordan, and reunited with his son Daniel, who tragically passed away in 1992.
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Gabby, 52, presented highlights of the latest Premier League action yesterday.
But just 20 minutes into the broadcast mum-of-two Gabby was forced to exit the BBC studio as Mark Chapman took over presenting duties.
He was both a player and manager during a stellar careerCredit: Getty Images
Wales player Terry Yorath in passing action during the 1980 Home International Championships match against EnglandCredit: Hulton Archive
Bradford City Manager Terry at the pre season photo call at Valley Parade ahead of the 1989/90 seasonCredit: Hulton Archive
Fans were quick to wish Gabby well with her family emergency yesterday and hailed Chapman for showing his class with the late switch.
Leeds United said they were “devastated” to hear of Yorath’s passing, adding: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Terry’s family, friends and former teammates at this incredibly sad time.”
At Elland Road, in 1974, Terry enjoyed the finest years of his career.
He won the First Division title and earned a reputation for his intelligence, consistency, and unwavering professionalism.
Terry also earned a runners-up medal in the FA Cup, European Cup and Cup Winners Cup.
Terry then moved to Coventry and his influence was key as the club punched above their weight against bigger clubs.
The football legend then ended up at Spurs as Terry made a further 70 appearances.
As his career came to a close he dropped down from the top flight having spells at Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada (1981), Bradford City (1982) and Swansea City (1986).
Following his retirement, he moved into management with spells at clubs including Bradford City, Swansea City and Sheffield Wednesday, earning a reputation as a no-nonsense character both on and off the pitch.
He steered Swansea to promotion from the Fourth Division in 1988.
And Terry even took over as coach of the Lebanon national team in 1995.
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The football legend helped them rise 60 places in the FIFA World Rankings before leaving in 1997.
Terry was also a loving and immensely proud grandfather to Reuben, Lois, Mila, Phoenix, and Paloma, who he left behind.
Terry (left) playing for Spurs tackles Steve Moran of Southampton in 1980Credit: Getty Images
