Broadcaster Gabby Logan has paid an emotional tribute to her father, former Leeds United and Wales captain Terry Yorath, following his death at the age of 75. The family confirmed his passing on Thursday morning after a brief illness, which led Logan to leave her presenting duties on Match of the Day early the previous evening due to a “family emergency”.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Logan shared deeply personal memories, including a poignant conversation she had with her father in hospital the day before he died. “Yesterday afternoon I sat by his bed in St James Hospital Leeds and we had a debate about whether roast potatoes were better with calves liver than mash potatoes,” she wrote. “That was the meal he’d decided he wanted when he went home, tomorrow.” She added that he had been looking forward to watching Newcastle play his beloved Leeds, but noted: “He won’t go home tomorrow. But he is reunited with Daniel and that will feel like home.”
Logan also reflected on the tragedies that shaped her father’s life, including the Bradford City fire and the loss of his eldest son Daniel, who died suddenly in 1992 at the age of 15 from a heart condition. She thanked him for instilling a passion for fairness and a love of sport, and recalled his sense of humour, from playing rounders to teasing her mercilessly. “Thank you for not making me pay you $1,865,986 after I kept losing at cards on double or quits, when I was 8 years old,” she wrote.
Terry Yorath enjoyed a distinguished football career, making 198 appearances for Leeds United and winning the First Division title in 1974. He captained Wales 42 times in his 59 international appearances, and later managed the national team for six years, narrowly missing qualification for the 1994 World Cup. After his time with Wales, he managed Bradford City, a club he had also played for.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world. Leeds United described him as “a club legend” and said they were “devastated by his passing”. The Football Association of Wales stated: “Terry Yorath will be remembered in Wales for his contribution to the game.” Former Bradford City striker Dean Windass wrote on X: “Sad news, great man and a gentleman. Thoughts go to his family RIP.”
