Lou Macari has labelled Gordon McQueen “unbeatable” as he paid an emotional tribute to his friend.
Tributes poured in for the Scotland icon after his death at the age of 70. McQueen, who won 30 caps and was an impressive figure at both Manchester United and Leeds United having moved south from St Mirren, had been living with dementia. And former Scotland and Old Trafford team-mate Macari said: “Gordon was a manager’s dream. Unbeatable in the air, unbeatable as a comedian in the dressing room and unbeatable, in my experience, as an all-round good guy to have on your side.
“Don’t get me wrong, he was opinionated and if he wasn’t sure about going along with a tactical decision or something he didn’t agree with, he wasn’t afraid to speak up. But he always did it for the good of the team, not himself. As well as the funniest man I’ve ever met, he was a Braveheart who faced up to horrible disease later in his life with tremendous courage and dignity.
“You will find it very difficult to find anyone who didn’t like Gordon McQueen. And, if you do, it’s almost certainly a case of mistaken identity.”
McQueen began his career with Saints in 1970 before moving to Elland Road two years later.The defender won the English title with the Yorkshire side in 1974 and scored goals in Leeds’ run to the European Cup Final, which he missed through suspension, the following season.
McQueen then moved to Manchester in 1978 and spent seven years with the Red Devils, winning an FA Cup and Charity Shield in 1983.An international regular, the stopper scored an iconic goal for his country when a Wembley header assisted Scotland in their 2-1 win over England in 1977 which sparked the famous Tartan Army pitch invasion.
McQueen was named in the squad for the 1974 World Cup and also in 1978, but had to miss the latter tournament through injury.He left United after a decade and finished his career with Seiko in Hong Kong before turning to coaching. He was manager of Airdrie for a brief spell and also worked at Middlesbrough as well as St Mirren as a coach.
McQueen, husband to Yvonne, father to Hayley, Anna and Eddie, and grandfather to Rudi, Etta and Ayla, was diagnosed with dementia in 2021.A statement issued on behalf of the McQueen family said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather.
“We hope that as well as creating many great football memories for club and his country, he will be remembered for the love, laughter and bravery that characterised his career and his family life - not least during his recent battles with ill health. Our house was always a buzz of friends, family and football and this constant support sustained him as he fought bravely against the cruel impact of dementia.
“The disease may have taken him too soon and while we struggle to comprehend life without him, we celebrate a man who lived life to the full: the ultimate entertainer, the life and soul of every occasion, the heart and soul of every dressing room, the most fun dad, husband and grandfather we could ever have wished for.
“The family would like to express our huge thanks to the wonderful staff at Herriot Hospice Homecare for their outstanding care; the utterly incredible Marie Curie team who were there with us all until the end; and Head for Change for the emotional support and respite care.
“Finally, to our wonderful friends and family who are a constant source of support we send our utmost love and gratitude. You will remain in our hearts always, Yvonne, Hayley, Anna, Eddie, Rudi, Etta and Ayla.”
St Mirren, where he played 77 times, were “deeply saddened” by the news and added: “Our deepest condolences are with Gordon’s loved ones at this sad time.”
SFA president Mike Mulraney dubbed McQueen “one of the finest defenders Scotland has ever produced”. He added: “His endeavours at the heart of Scotland’s defence were rightfully recognised in 2012, as he was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame.
“A popular figure within the game, he will be remembered fondly. The thoughts of everyone at the Scottish FA are with his family at this difficult time.”
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