Terry Yorath, the former Leeds United and Wales international footballer and the father of BBC presenter Gabby Logan, has died at the age of 75. His family confirmed that he passed away in Leeds following a short illness.
The news came after Gabby Logan was forced to leave her presenting role on BBC’s Match of the Day during Wednesday night’s live broadcast. She was replaced by Mark Chapman, who told viewers the change was due to a family emergency.
In a statement released on Thursday, Yorath’s children paid tribute to their father, describing him as both a respected football figure and a loving parent.
“The family said that while many people knew him as a respected football legend, to them he was simply a loving father — calm, kind, and gentle. They added that although they are heartbroken, they find some comfort in believing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel.”
A Respected Football Career
Terry Yorath enjoyed a successful playing career, most notably with Leeds United, where he became a key figure during his time at the club. He also represented Wales at international level and earned widespread respect for his leadership and professionalism on the pitch.
After retiring from playing in 1986, Yorath moved into football management. He took charge of several clubs, including Swansea City, Cardiff City, Bradford City and Sheffield Wednesday. His managerial career spanned both club and international football, reflecting his deep knowledge of the game.
Tragic Moments and Leadership
While serving as player-coach at Bradford City, Yorath was present during the tragic Valley Parade fire in 1985, one of the darkest days in English football history. The disaster claimed the lives of 56 supporters and injured hundreds more. Yorath later spoke about the lasting emotional impact of that day.
He also managed the Wales national team during the 1980s and 1990s, guiding them close to World Cup qualification on two occasions. Later in his career, he took charge of the Lebanon national team, continuing his involvement in international football.
A Personal Loss That Shaped His Life
Beyond football, Yorath’s life was marked by personal tragedy. His son Daniel died aged 15 in 1992 from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic heart condition, after collapsing while playing football at home with his father. Yorath and his family later became advocates for heart screening and awareness of the condition.
Terry Yorath is survived by his children Gabby, Louise and Jordan. He is remembered as a dedicated football professional, a respected manager and, above all, a devoted family man whose influence extended well beyond the pitch.
