Leeds United great Gordon McQueen has vascular dementia but 'no regrets' as he warns footballers about heading

The Scot became part of Don Revie's last great Elland Road team after joining from St Mirren in 1972, winning the 1974 title. The imposing centre-back made 172 appearances for the Whites in all competitions before moving to Manchester United in 1978.

The links between heading a football and dementia are yet to be conclusively proved, but in a statement released through his family, McQueen urged modern players and coaches to be wary of the risks. In recent years there have been moves to limit the amount of heading in training, particularly for youngsters.

The man McQueen was signed to replace at Leeds, Jack Charlton, suffered from dementia before his death last year as his brother Sir Bobby does. So did their England World Cup-winning team-mate Nobby Stiles, who also died in 2020. Stiles's son John, a former Leeds player, has been campaigning for football to do more to help dementia sufferers.

McQueen, now 68, was diagnosed with vascular dementia in January and his wife Yvonne, daughters Hayley and Anna, and son Edward have now gone public to raise awareness, at Gordon's request.

“He wants other footballers of today's generation to know there may be risks with persistent heading of the ball,” they said in a statement.

"Dad scored some important goals in his career and memorable headers but used to stay back in training, heading the ball to the goalkeeper for practice over and over. He does wonder if this has been a factor in his dementia as his symptoms appeared in his mid-60s.

"The last year in and out of lockdown has been tough as dad is such a sociable person and thrives off company.

"Social interaction is key for someone with dementia and he has been deprived of this for so long. He is fully aware of his friends and family still and his memory of all things football is sharp, but his cognitive functions are not the same.

"We don't want people to be surprised by his condition or continue to ask him for media interviews or autographs which he is not able to do any more.

"Whilst he is looking forward to seeing people again after lockdown and getting the social aspect of life back, we know people will see a big difference in his health so wanted to be transparent.

"We thank everyone in advance for their understanding and hope sharing this news will help dad to face the future in a positive way."

At the same time, the family say McQueen has “no regrets” having enjoyed a stellar career.

McQueen was suspended missed out on selection for the 1973 FA Cup final and 1975 European Cup final, but was a lynchpin of the side which won the league in 1973-74, Revie's last season as Leeds manager, went to the 1978 World Cup with Scotland (although he did not play through injury), scored in a losing cause in the 1979 FA Cup final and won the trophy four years later.

McQueen had a short spell managing Airdrieonians as well as some coaching spells abroad and had two spells at Middlesbrough, first as reserve-team coach during Bryan Robson's managership, then as a scout, before concentrating on media work.

"Whilst as a family we've found it hard to come to terms with the changes in dad, he has no regrets about his career and has lived life to the full,” said the family.

"He had unforgettable experiences in his playing days with Scotland, Manchester United and Leeds United, and also took so much from his coaching and TV work in more recent times.

"Football has allowed him to travel the world and experience things he could only have dreamed of.”

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