Former Wales international Terry Yorath (father of Match of the Day presenter Gabby Logan) has died at the age of 75. Mr Yorath had a distinguished career in English football, most notably with Leeds United from 1967 to 1976. He was instrumental in one of the club’s most successful periods under legendary manager Don Revie.
After leaving Elland Road, he played for Coventry City, Tottenham, Vancouver Whitecaps and Bradford City. Yorath was also a regular in the Wales national team, winning 59 caps between 1970 and 1981. After retiring, he embarked on an extensive managerial career and is remembered fondly for his time as Swansea City manager. He then managed Wales as they came close to qualifying for the 1994 World Cup.
Yorath’s family announced the death in a statement, saying: “To many he was a revered football hero, but to us he was a quiet, kind and gentle father. Our hearts are broken but we take comfort in knowing he will be reunited with his brother Daniel.”
The statement added: “Terry Yorath will be remembered for his enormous contribution to the world of football and the deep respect he was held by players, colleagues and supporters. He leaves a lasting legacy and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
This comes after his daughter Logan was forced to leave Wednesday night’s show just 20 minutes into the show due to a family emergency.
Mark Chapman rushed in to replace her and told viewers: “Unfortunately, Gabby had a family emergency that she had to deal with quickly.”
“She left for that and I came in from the radio to finish the show. We’re now going to see what happened in the Manchester City vs. Brighton game…”
Logan previously opened up about his upbringing with Yorath, telling the Guardian: “They (her parents) had three of us by the time we were 24.
“They were young, so they were pretty laissez-faire about certain things, but very strict about behavior and manners and etiquette. They both came from working-class backgrounds.
“My father was a professional soccer player and he knew the importance of hard work, being true to yourself and not wasting your talent, so that was instilled in us.
“Sports has always been the foundation of our family. It was how we grew up, both from a child’s perspective and from a dad’s perspective.
“My sister and I were really into gymnastics, and my older brother Daniel was a really good soccer player, so naturally it was my dad’s job.
“So we all liked playing around with instruments and acting, but sports were the main thing. My dad might only spend two or three seasons at a club, so we lived a very structured life.”
