We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former midfielder, Terry Yorath, following a short illness. He was 75.
Born in Cardiff, Terry signed as an apprentice at Leeds United in 1965 and worked his way into that all-conquering team of the late 1960s, early 1970s, starting both the 1973 European Cup Winners' Cup and 1975 European Cup Finals. Leeds lost both, but in-between, Terry helped the Whites to the league title in 1973/74. By starting against Bayern Munich in 1975, Terry became the first Welshman to play in a European Cup Final.
After making 198 appearances, he moved from Elland Road to Coventry City in 1976 and onto Spurs in August, 1979, where he provided his trademark grit and tenacity in midfield alongside the likes of Glenn Hoddle, Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa. Terry made 62 appearances for us in all competitions before departing for Vancouver Whitecaps in February, 1981. He later played for Bradford City and Swansea.
Capped 59 times by Wales, his leadership qualities are illustrated by captaining his country on 42 of those 59 appearances. Terry took over as Wales manager in 1988 and led the Dragons to the brink of the 1994 World Cup Finals, only to lose out to Romania in their final qualifier. He had further managerial spells at the likes of Bradford, Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday before his final job at Margate in 2008.
We extend our sincere condolences to Terry’s family, friends and former team-mates at this incredibly sad time.