“TRAGIC Man Utd legend Gordon McQueen blamed his dementia on heading a football before his death, an inquest heard. The former footballer, who also played for Leeds, passed away in June 2023 aged 70. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! Manchester United legend Gordon McQueen passed away in 2023 Credit: Getty –”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk
TRAGIC Man Utd legend Gordon McQueen blamed his dementia on heading a football before his death, an inquest heard.
The former footballer, who also played for Leeds, passed away in June 2023 aged 70.
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Manchester United legend Gordon McQueen passed away in 2023Credit: Getty – Contributor
The star, who also played for Leeds, had been diagnosed with dementiaCredit: Getty
His daughter Hayley opened up about his battle at an inquest todayCredit: Alamy McQueen made more than 300 appearances for the two clubs and played 30 times for Scotland.
He was diagnosed with dementia in 2021 after telling his family: “There’s something not right in my head.”
His daughter, Sky Sports presenter Hayley McQueen, was asked at the inquest whether her dad had spoken about what was behind his dementia.
She replied: “He said ‘heading a football for all those years probably hasn’t helped’.”
Hayley told the court her dad was relatively injury-free during his career but did suffer some concussions, adding: “They would just head back out and play.”
She also recalled how McQueen would come home from training at Man Utd and lie down in a darkened room with a headache.
Hayley said her dad remained healthy and active following his retirement but the family started to notice changes in his personality after his 60th birthday.
McQueen became more withdrawn and told his loved ones that he did not feel “right in himself”.
Hayley told the court he also developed problems with swallowing and with his balance.
Following his diagnosis, the ex-defender struggled with tasks such as making a cup of tea but could always remember names and details of games from his playing career – including scorelines and line-ups.
Hayley previously paid tribute to McQueen after his death – revealing he would still regularly watch football even when he was bedridden.
She added: “Beyond heartbroken to announce we have lost our wonderful dad, I thought when the day came I’d be prepared and feel a sense of relief that he is no longer trying to battle this awful disease but I just feel numb.
“I’m hoping we can now remember him for the man he was and not the man he became this last few years. We thought we were losing him when home palliative care came to look after him back in December, we were distraught but being the big strong man that he is, battled on for many months.
“Whilst it’s been unimaginably sad and at times unbearable for my mum who has cared for him at home we’ve had precious time with him whilst this cruel disease and all that comes with it completely took over, he certainly put up a fight.
“One comfort was he knew all his friends and family right till the end but to watch someone slowly die I wouldn’t wish on anyone.”
McQueen began his career at St Mirren before moving to Leeds where he played alongside club greats including Billy Bremner, Johnny Giles and Norman Hunter.
He joined United in 1978 and went on to make 184 appearances for the club – winning the FA Cup in 1983.
McQueen also won 30 caps for Scotland and was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
After hanging up his boots, McQueen had a brief spell in charge of Airdrieonians and worked as a coach at Middlesbrough between 1995-01.
He later made a move into punditry and landed a job at Sky Sports before he returned to Boro as a scout in 2008.
The inquest, which is expected to last three days, continues.
McQueen was capped 30 times for Scotland during his playing careerCredit: Rex
He won the FA Cup with Utd in 1983Credit: Getty – Contributor
Hayley, who is a successful Sky Sports presenter, paid tribute to her dadCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
She said she was ‘beyond heartbroken’Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk