MIDDLESBROUGH have paid tribute to Gordon McQueen after the passing of the club's much-loved former coach.
McQueen was a huge figure at Boro during Bryan Robson's time in charge of the club and later returned as a scout, before settling and living in the area.
He sadly died, aged 70, after a battle with vascular dementia.
A statement issued on behalf of the McQueen family 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 disease may have taken him too soon and while we struggle to comprehend life without him, we celebrate a man who lived life to the full: the ultimate entertainer, the life and soul of every occasion, the heart and soul of every dressing room, the most fun dad, husband and grandfather we could ever have wished for.
“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.”
In a statement, Boro said the club was "deeply saddened" to learn of McQueen's passing and thoughts are with family and friends. He was diagnosed with vascular dementia in early 2021.
After retiring as a player, McQueen was a coach at Airdrieonians and boyhood club St Mirren, before joining his friend and former Manchester United teammate Bryan Robson at Boro in 1995.
He went on to establish himself as a vital and popular figure in an exciting and memorable time on Teesside as Boro signed superstars and made cup finals.
He was initially reserve team coach for five years before spending two seasons as part of Robson's first team coaching staff.
He left Boro alongside Robson in 2001 but returned as a scout seven years later. He settled in the area, lived in Hutton Rudby and his daughter Hayley played a starring role on BoroTV before going on to become a household name. McQueen also had a successful career working in the media.
Hayley wrote on Instagram: "I thought when this 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.
"I 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."
As a player, McQueen was among the outstanding central defenders of his era, winning 30 caps for Scotland between 1974 and 1981.
He came to prominence in England following his move to Leeds from St Mirren in 1972, helping the Yorkshire club to league title success in 1973-74 and playing a key role in their run to the European Cup final in 1975.
He missed out on Leeds’ final defeat to Bayern Munich through suspension before joining arch-rivals Manchester United in 1978 and went on to win the FA Cup in 1983.
Injury robbed him of a World Cup appearance in 1978 after he had been included in Scotland’s squad having made his senior debut in 1974 against Belgium.
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