Leeds United reveal planned tributes to hero Terry Yorath ahead of Derby FA Cup clash

Terry Yorath, who died aged 75 this week, made 198 appearances for Leeds and was part of the club during one of their most successful eras, including winning the 1973/1974 First Division title.

Born in Wales, the midfielder entered the world of professional football when he joined the Whites in 1967, and remained a regular at Elland Road following his retirement in 1986.

Leeds United players are set to wear black armbands during Sunday’s FA Cup match clash against Derby City.

In a statement the club said: “Terry was a frequent presence at Elland Road in the years since his departure from the club in 1976 and his absence will be sorely felt in West Yorkshire.

“Leeds United players will wear black armbands during Sunday’s FA Cup match against Derby County and there will be a minute of applause ahead of our next home Premier League game against Fulham.

“Additionally, the club’s matchday programme for the Fulham fixture will be dedicated to Yorath and will feature tributes to the Welsh great from a selection of current and former players.

“Our thoughts remain with Terry’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Sports broadcaster Gabby Logan has described her father as “a kind-hearted and generous man” with a “wicked sense of humour”.

In a post on Instagram, she revealed that only on Wednesday she had a conversation with her father in St James’ Hospital about “whether roast potatoes were better with calves liver than mash potatoes”.

“We knew he had limited time, but it is still a shock,” the broadcaster added after her family announced the death of Cardiff-born Yorath, who played in midfield for Leeds and Wales.

She added: “Thank you for your messages of love and support today, it has meant the world to us.

“Our Dad a warrior on the football pitch, captaining club and country, a kind-hearted and generous man off it, would have hated all the attention. (Well most of it).

“The stories that have been shared by strangers with us today have been enormously comforting. He touched so many people’s lives.

“We knew he had limited time, but it is still a shock. Yesterday afternoon I sat by his bed in St James’s University Hospital Leeds and we had a debate about whether roast potatoes were better with calves liver than mash potatoes.

“That was the meal he’d decided he wanted when he went home, tomorrow. I left and went to work, he was looking forward to watching Newcastle v his beloved Leeds.”

Earlier this week, Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, paid tribute and said: “The thoughts of everyone at the council are today with the family and friends of Leeds United great Terry Yorath.

“As a Leeds supporter, I was deeply saddened to hear the news that Terry had passed away.

“Born in Wales, he was very much an adopted Loiner thanks to his exploits with Don Revie’s legendary United side of the 1960s and 1970s.

“The array of talent available to Revie meant that Terry had to wait for his chance to shine in the first team, but his patience and dedication was rewarded with a league title medal in 1974.

"He was also a key part of the Leeds side that reached the European Cup final the following year.

“I was delighted that we, as a council, were able to honour the achievements of Terry and his fellow Revie boys by collectively awarding them the freedom of Leeds in 2019.

“It says a lot for him, both as a footballer and a man, that he was held in high regard by fans of so many other clubs – not least Coventry City and Tottenham Hotspur, for whom he played after leaving Leeds.