Gordon McQueen dead aged 70 as tributes pour in for Leeds United and Scotland legend

Scotland legend Gordon McQueen has died at the age of 70 after a battle with dementia.

The former defender was capped 30 times for his country and won major honours for both Leeds United and Manchester United during an illustrious playing career after moving south of the border from St Mirren.

McQueen returned to Scotland when he had a brief spell in management with Airdrie before moving into the media where he worked in a celebrated career. It was announced last year that he had been diagnosed with vascular dementia which his family believed was due to years of heading the ball during a career.

An uncompromising defender during his career, McQueen helped the great Leeds United side win the English league title under Don Revie in 1974 and scored three times on their run to the European Cup final the following year, although he missed the Final defeat to Bayern Munich in Paris due to suspension. He also lifted the FA Cup with Manchester United in 1983.

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