Former Leeds and Wales footballer Terry Yorath – the father of BBC presenter Gabby Logan – has died aged 75 following a short illness, his family said today.
Born in Cardiff, Yorath played a big part in the Leeds team under Don Revie, winning the First Division title, before spells with Coventry, Tottenham and Bradford.
Yorath scored 11 goals in 199 appearances for Leeds over nine years from 1967, and received runners-up medals in the FA Cup, European Cup and Cup Winners Cup.
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The midfielder also won 59 caps for Wales and was assistant coach at Bradford on the day of the Valley Parade fire in 1985, when 56 fans died and 270 were injured.
Yorath also managed Swansea, Bradford, Cardiff, Lebanon, Sheffield Wednesday and Margate – as well as Wales, coming close to qualification for the 1994 World Cup.
His death was announced at 8.20am today, hours after Logan was forced to leave Match of the Day mid-show after being informed of the family emergency.
He had three children in addition to Logan – Louise, Jordan and Daniel, but the latter died in 1992 aged 15 from a genetic heart condition while playing football with him.
Yorath’s children said in a statement issued this morning: ‘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.’
The sporting legend was also described as a ‘devoted family man’ and a ‘loving and immensely proud grandfather to Reuben, Lois, Mila, Phoenix and Paloma’.
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Gabby Logan with her father Terry Yorath in 1998, launching a heart disease screening drive
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Terry Yorath with his daughter Gabby on her wedding day at Logie Kirk in Scotland in July 2001
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Terry Yoratha at home in 1978 with his wife Christine and children Gabby, Louise and Daniel
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Terry Yorath (pictured in 1973) was born in Cardiff and won 59 caps for the Welsh national side
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Terry Yorath, pictured in 2005, worked at a range of clubs after retiring, including Huddersfield
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‘Everyone at Leeds United is devastated to learn of the passing of club legend Terry Yorath,’ his former club said in a statement. ‘Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Terry’s family, friends and former team-mates at this incredibly sad time.’
The Welsh FA added: ‘The FAW is deeply saddened to learn of Terry Yorath’s passing. The thoughts of everyone connected to the association are with Terry’s family, friends and loved ones.’
BBC commentator Ian Dennis tweeted: ‘Thoughts with Gabby and her family. Had the pleasure of working with Terry. Remember being spellbound of his experiences coaching in Lebanon for two years.
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Gabby Logan is forced to leave Match of the Day mid-show due to family emergency
‘He had a wicked sense of humour, I still play the trick he played on me about 20 years ago! RIP Terry.’
And former Bradford striker Dean Windass tweeted: ‘Sad news, great man and a gentleman. Thoughts go to his family RIP.’
Last night, Logan was in position for the live Match of the Day broadcast at the start of the show and introduced highlights of Bournemouth’s win over Tottenham.
The 52-year-old presenter also teed up Manchester City’s game against Brighton but when coverage returned to the studio, Logan had been replaced by Mark Chapman.
Chapman told viewers: ‘We’ll talk about that game in just a moment, sadly Gabby has got a family emergency which she’s had to rush off and deal with.
‘So she’s gone to do that and I’ve come from the radio to finish the show.’
Stephen Warnock and Danny Murphy were the pundits alongside Logan before she was replaced by Chapman, who shares presenting duties with her alongside Kelly Cates since Gary Lineker’s retirement.
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Gabby Logan started the coverage of Match of the Day before leaving abruptly mid-show
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Gabby Logan with her husband Kenny and children Reuben and Lois in Chichester in July
MOTD has since paid tribute in a post on X and said: ‘Leeds and Wales legend Terry Yorath has passed away, aged 75. The BBC sends its condolences to all the family, including his daughter Gabby Logan.’
Logan and her husband Kenny, 53, a former Scotland rugby player, live in Buckinghamshire and have two children, twins Reuben and Lois, 20.
Reuben has followed in his father’s footsteps and plays for Sale Sharks after joining from Northampton Saints.
Logan represented Great Britain in rhythmic gymnastics before moving into the television world.
She started presenting on Sky Sports in 1996 before moving to ITV and fronting their Champions League coverage.
Logan joined the BBC in 2006, hosting Final Score and athletics programming including multiple Olympic Games’ – also co-hosting Sports Personality of the Year.
She was named as one of the trio of presenters to replace Lineker after the veteran broadcaster called time on the role following 26 years in the chair.
