Former Scotland, Manchester United and Leeds legend Gordon McQueen has been diagnosed with vascular dementia, his family have confirmed.


The 68-year-old started his illustrious career with humble beginnings in junior football at Largs Thistle in the late 1960s before being snapped up by St Mirren.
He was then signed by Leeds United in 1972, winning the First Division two years later and playing an important role in their run to the 1975 European Cup final.
McQueen went onto enjoy a successful time with Manchester United and represented Scotland on 30 occasions, scoring five goals.

A statement released by his wife Yvonne, daughters Hayley and Anna and son Edward to the PA news agency read: “In January, Gordon McQueen, our dad, was formally diagnosed with vascular dementia.

“As a family we felt it was important to let people know, particularly if raising awareness can help others in similar situations.

“Whilst as a family we’ve found it hard to come to terms with the changes in dad, he has no regrets about his career and has lived life to the full.

“He had unforgettable experiences in his playing days with Scotland, Manchester United and Leeds United, and also took so much from his coaching and TV work in more recent times.

“Football has allowed him to travel the world and experience things he could only have dreamed of.

“But he wants other footballers of today’s generation to know there may be risks with persistent heading of the ball.

“Dad scored some important goals in his career and memorable headers but used to stay back in training, heading the ball to the goalkeeper for practice over and over.

“He does wonder if this has been a factor in his dementia as his symptoms appeared in his mid-60s.

 “The last year in and out of lockdown has been tough as dad is such a sociable person and thrives off company.

“Social interaction is key for someone with dementia and he has been deprived of this for so long. He is fully aware of his friends and family still and his memory of all things football is sharp, but his cognitive functions are not the same.

“We don’t want people to be surprised by his condition or continue to ask him for media interviews or autographs which he is not able to do any more.

“Whilst he is looking forward to seeing people again after lockdown and getting the social aspect of life back, we know people will see a big difference in his health so wanted to be transparent."

Best wishes to Gordon and has family have come in from around the footballing world.

Largs Thistle was a launchpad for many great players in the game, the most famous of which was Gordon McQueen, who moved to Largs from his home-town of Kilbirnie.

Largs Thistle put up a message of support on their club facebook page which reads: "We are sorry to hear about Gordon McQueen's dementia diagnosis. 
"Gordon, from Kilbirnie, played for Largs in 1969 aged 17. He then played for St Mirren FC, Leeds United, and Manchester United.
"Gordon also played 30 times for Scotland, including at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, and worked for Sky Sports after retiring.
"Largs Thistle send Gordon and his family our love. Please stay safe."