The football world came together in Leeds on Monday to pay its final respects to Terry Yorath, the celebrated former Wales player and manager, at an emotional funeral service. Family, friends, and some of the sport's most iconic figures gathered at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Moortown to honour a man whose impact on football remains profound and enduring.
A Storied Career Remembered
Terry Yorath passed away on 7 January at the age of 75 following a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades. Born in Cardiff, Yorath was a pivotal midfielder in Don Revie's legendary Leeds United side of the 1970s. He played a crucial role in securing the First Division title with Leeds in 1974 and earned a European Cup runners-up medal the following season, cementing his place in football history.
A fiercely proud Welshman, Yorath won 59 caps for his country, captaining the national team an impressive 42 times. His playing career also included notable stints at Coventry City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Bradford City. After hanging up his boots, he transitioned seamlessly into management, spending over two decades in the dugout. This included a five-year tenure as manager of the Wales national team, a role he held until 1993.
Tributes from Teammates and Legends
Heartfelt tributes poured in for Yorath, with former Leeds teammate and Scotland striker Joe Jordan reflecting on their early days together. "He captained his country over 40 times and went on to be manager as well, and he took great responsibility in all those positions that he had," Jordan told the Press Association. He added, "When I came to Leeds we were both teenagers, but he had been there a long time. We ended up in digs together and he was a terrific friend and I thank him for that."
Jordan also highlighted Yorath's distinctive playing style, noting, "People look back at how competitive he was, and he would take no prisoners, but he could play as well. He was a winner and he was also a great guy."
Ian Rush Hails a "Special" Manager
Among the football greats in attendance was Ian Rush, the former Liverpool and Wales striker who played under Yorath's management. Rush described Yorath as "something special" and shared insights into his managerial approach. "We know how hard he was as a player but I think as a manager, he had a soft spot to him and that’s what made him a great manager," Rush told the Press Association.
He continued, "He wanted to win. That’s what it’s all about. He wanted to win, and he put the team first. He put the individual players before himself. He didn’t want all the glory, although he desperately wanted Wales to be successful." Under Yorath's leadership, Wales narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 1994 World Cup after a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Romania at Cardiff Arms Park.
Resilience in the Face of Tragedy
Yorath's life was marked not only by professional achievements but also by profound personal tragedy and remarkable resilience. He is survived by his three children: daughters Louise and BBC Sport presenter Gabby Logan, and son Jordan. Tragically, his other son, Daniel, died at the age of 15 in 1992 from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy after collapsing while playing football with his father in the garden.
Yorath also experienced the horror of the 1985 Bradford City fire, which claimed 56 lives, while he was present at Valley Parade as a player-coach. Reflecting on this, Rush commented, "He was a very humble man. And what he went through, and everything, you know for him to do that makes him a special person."
Poignant Musical Tributes
A moving moment at the funeral, requested by his daughter Gabby, saw the Cardiff-based male choir Cor Meibion Taf perform. They sang ‘Danny Boy’ in tribute to Daniel, followed by ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and the hymn ‘All Through the Night’. Choir member Irfon Bennett expressed their honour at being part of the service, saying, "The Welsh FA provided us with their official bus to come up here. We’ve performed at places like the Royal Albert Hall, but we’ve never felt prouder or more privileged to be here representing Terry and Wales."
Early Challenges and Lasting Legacy
Yorath's early career at Leeds was characterised by patience and determination, as he waited for his chance behind the formidable midfield duo of captain Billy Bremner and Johnny Giles. Former Republic of Ireland player and manager Giles remembered him fondly, stating, "He was a smashing lad, who was a terrific player and he became a huge player for Wales, particularly after he left Leeds."
Giles added, "Terry was always a good-humoured lad. He had to stick with it because Leeds were an outstanding team, but he showed such resilience. He had some real tough moments to deal with in his life and it was difficult for him – it would have been for anybody, but I’ll remember his humour and that he could look after himself."
Beyond his national team role, Yorath managed several clubs, including Swansea City, Bradford City, Cardiff City, and Sheffield Wednesday, leaving an indelible mark wherever he went. The funeral service in Leeds served as a powerful testament to a life dedicated to football, family, and fortitude, with the sport's community coming together to celebrate a true legend.
