Terry Yorath dies aged 75: Leeds and Wales football legend and dad of Gabby Logan passes away ‘after short illness’ – after she was forced to leave MOTD early
Former Leeds and Wales midfielder and father of Gabby Logan, Terry Yorath, died at the age of 75 after a short illness, his family said in a statement.
Born in Cardiff, Yorath played a big part in the Leeds team under Don Revie that won the First Division title, before playing with Coventry, Tottenham and Bradford.
Yorath scored 11 goals in 199 appearances for his first professional club, Leeds, over a nine-year period since 1967. He also made 59 appearances for Wales.
Speaking on behalf of the family, his children said: ‘To many he was a revered football hero, but to us he was a father; a quiet, kind and gentle man.
‘Our hearts are broken, but we take comfort in knowing that our brother Daniel will be reunited with him.’
Yorath’s death was announced this morning, just hours after Logan was forced to leave Match of the Day mid-show after being informed of a family emergency.
The 52-year-old presenter was in the on-air position at the start of the show and covered the highlights of Bournemouth’s 3-2 win over Tottenham.
He also crashed Man City’s match against Brighton, but when the broadcast returned to the studio, Logan had been replaced by Mark Chapman.
Terry Yorath with his daughter Gabby on her wedding day at Logie Kirk in Scotland in July 2001
File photo of Terry Yorath dated 11/05/73
File photo of Terry Yorath dated 22/01/05
File photo of Terry Yorath dated 03/10/98
File photo of Terry Yorath dated 07/01/02
File photo of Terry Yorath dated 03/10/98
File photo of Terry Yorath dated 10/15/91
File photo of Terry Yorath dated 02/03/02
Chapman told viewers: ‘We’re going to talk about that game [Manchester City v Brighton] One minute later, unfortunately Gabby has a family emergency and has to deal with it immediately.
‘So he went to do that and I came from the radio to finish the show.’
Stephen Warnock and Danny Murphy were pundits alongside Logan before he was replaced by Chapman, who has shared presenting duties alongside Kelly Cates since Gary Lineker’s retirement.
Logan and her husband Kenny, 53, a former Scotland rugby player, live in Buckinghamshire and have twin children Reuben and Lois, 20.
Gabby Logan begins Match of the Day coverage before abruptly leaving mid-show
(Pictured is the Logan family – Reuben, sister Lois, Gabby and Kenny) – Gabby was called away Wednesday night for what Mark Chapman described as a family emergency.
Reuben followed in his father’s footsteps and played for Sale Sharks after joining from Northampton Saints.
Logan represented Great Britain in rhythmic gymnastics before moving on to television.
He began presenting for Sky Sports in 1996 before moving to ITV and featuring in Champions League coverage.
Logan joined the BBC in 2006, hosting athletics programs including Final Score and multiple Olympic Games, as well as presenting Sports Personality of the Year.
He was chosen as one of three presenters to replace Lineker after the veteran broadcaster requested respite from his 26-year tenure as chairman.
