Peter Reid and Bryan Robson mourn loss of Gordon McQueen

McQueen died aged 70 after battling with vascular dementia.

His 26-year footballing career saw him reach the pinnacle of British football and he later enjoyed a successful coaching career at Middlesbrough FC. 

His family, friends and former teammates gathered at Saint Mary's Cathedral in Coulby Newham for McQueen's funeral.

Leeds United legend Eddie Gray described his friend as the 'finest football player I ever met'.

He said: "As people know he was ill for a while. It is a sad time.

"Gordon was a great lad. He was one of the finest football players I ever met in my life.

"He was a good lad and a legend of the game" 

A crowd of friends and family gathered in the sunshine to pay their respects.

McQueen's Scotland cap was proudly displayed on top of his coffin as it was carried to the funeral.

Peter Reid, who played against McQueen when he was at Bolton Wanderers, made a heartfelt tribute to his one-time rival.

He said: "I played against him when he was at Leeds United. He was brilliant.

"Then he moved to Manchester United and I was a great admirer of his abilities as a footballer.

"He was a good person too. He was the life and soul of the party."

Some of McQueen's fellow Manchester United stars, Gordon Strachan and Bryan Robson attended the funeral.

Sky Sports pundit Jeff Stelling was also there alongside ex-Scotland striker Joe Jordan.

The Scottish hero started his career at St Mirren at just 18 and soon caught the eye of scouts from the Premier League.

Just two years into his professional career he made the move to Leeds United, viewed as a long-term replacement for Jack Charlton.

He went on to become a stalwart for their defence over the next six years and even contributed at the other end with 15 goals.

His success brought him the admiration of the biggest club in the world at the time, Manchester United.

During his time there he won the FA Cup and made 184 appearances.

Alongside his domestic career, McQueen was called up to the Scotland squad in 1974.

He soon became captain of the Scottish team, helping them to qualify for the 1978 World Cup by beating Wales at Anfield.

Once he hung up his boots he returned to St Mirren as a coach before helping his former team-mate Bryan Robson as a reserve-team coach.

Five years later he moved to coaching the first team, passing on his wisdom to the next generation.

He left Boro alongside Robson in 2001 but returned as a scout seven years later.

For his role, he happily settled in Hutton Rudby, North Yorkshire, with his wife. 

Following his death on June 15, 2023, his family released a statement.

They 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 family would like to express our huge thanks to the wonderful staff at Herriot Hospice Homecare for their outstanding care; the utterly incredible Marie Curie team who were there with us all until the end; and Head for Change for the emotional support and respite care.

"Finally, to our wonderful friends and family who are a constant source of support we send our utmost love and gratitude.

"You will remain in our hearts always, Yvonne, Hayley, Anna, Eddie, Rudi, Etta and Ayla."