Leeds and Wales Legend Terry Yorath Dies Aged 75

Terry Yorath, the former Leeds United and Wales player and manager, passed away on Thursday at the age of 75 after a battle with illness, his family announced. Yorath is considered one of the most prominent figures in Welsh and English football history, leaving a clear mark throughout his career as both a player and a coach.

During his playing career, Yorath represented Wales in 59 international matches between 1969 and 1981, captaining the national team on 42 occasions. He spent nine years with Leeds United (1967-1976), where he achieved numerous titles, including the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1968 and 1971, the English First Division title in 1969 and 1974, the FA Cup in 1972, the League Cup in 1968, and the Charity Shield in 1969. He was also part of the team that lost the European Cup final in 1975. Additionally, he won the FA Cup with Tottenham.

After retiring as a player, Yorath transitioned into management, leading Swansea City to promotion to the First Division in 1988. He also managed the Wales national team from 1988 to 1993, coming close to guiding them to qualification for the 1994 World Cup. The Football Association of Wales described Yorath as “a powerful, intelligent and dominant midfielder” and stated that his tenure as Wales manager “helped restore confidence, competitiveness and national pride.”

In a poignant statement, Yorath's family said: “To most people, he was a respected football hero, but to us, he was a father; a quiet, kind and polite man. Our hearts are broken, but we find solace in the thought that he will be reunited with our brother Daniel,” referring to his son who passed away in 1992 at the age of 15.