The football community gathered in solemn unity on Monday to pay their final respects to Terry Yorath, the revered Wales and Leeds United legend, during an emotional funeral service in Leeds. The former Wales manager and celebrated player, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 75, was honoured by family, friends and numerous icons from the sporting world.
A Family's Heartfelt Farewell
At the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Leeds, Yorath's children – Louise, Jordan and renowned television presenter Gabby Logan – led the mourning alongside approximately one hundred attendees. The service was deeply personal, featuring hymns performed by the Welsh choir Côr Meibion Taf and a reading from broadcaster Elis James.
The ceremony commenced with the stirring notes of Wales' national anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, setting a poignant tone. Family members played significant roles throughout: granddaughter Lois Logan delivered a moving rendition of Jerusalem, grandson Reuben Logan recited a poem, and grandchildren Paloma Yorath and Phoenix Yorath offered prayers. A heartfelt eulogy was presented by Yorath's son Jordan, celebrating his father's life and legacy.
Remembering Lost Loved Ones
The service also honoured the memory of Yorath's son Daniel, who tragically died in 1992 at just 15 years old from a genetic heart condition. In a touching tribute, the choir performed Danny Boy in his honour. A statement from Yorath's children reflected their grief and solace, noting: "Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel."
The ceremony concluded with the choir's powerful performance of You'll Never Walk Alone, a fitting anthem for a man who spent his life in team sports.
Football's Finest Pay Their Respects
The congregation included numerous luminaries from the football world, demonstrating Yorath's widespread respect across the sport. Alongside Gabby Logan and her husband, former Scotland rugby international Kenny Logan, attendees included ex-Wales manager Chris Coleman, Liverpool and Wales legend Ian Rush, and former Leeds player and television personality Chris Kamara.
Other notable figures from Welsh football included Dean Saunders, Kevin Ratcliffe, Clayton Blackmore and Mickey Thomas, while Yorath's former Leeds teammates Eddie Gray and Paul Reaney also came to honour their colleague. Former Scotland international and Bradford manager Stuart McCall was among the distinguished guests.
Personal Tributes from Sporting Icons
Speaking to the BBC after the service, Ian Rush shared heartfelt memories of Yorath's influence. "He gave me all the confidence. As a manager he always put players before himself and he was something special," Rush recalled. "It was with the help of Terry making me feel confident and that's something I'll never forget."
In a deeply personal social media tribute following her father's passing, Gabby Logan painted a vivid picture of Yorath's character beyond the football pitch. She described him as "a warrior on the football pitch, captaining club and country, a kind hearted and generous man off it," who would have disliked the attention his passing generated.
Logan shared intimate family memories, including a final conversation about whether roast potatoes were better with calves liver than mashed potatoes – the meal Yorath had planned for his return home. She reflected on his enduring pain from the Bradford Fire tragedy and the loss of his son Daniel, which "defined the second half of his life."
Her tribute celebrated Yorath's playful nature, recalling family games of rounders, competitive races after dinner, and humorous financial lessons involving mustard-eating challenges for £5. She thanked him for instilling a lifelong love of sport, a passion for fairness, and a wicked sense of humour.
The funeral service not only marked the passing of a football legend but celebrated a life that touched countless people both on and off the pitch, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of sports enthusiasts.
