Summary

  • The funeral of Wales football great Terry Yorath is held in Leeds after his death at the age of 75

  • Yorath's coffin is adorned with flowers in the white, yellow and blue colours of Leeds United, as well as a floral arrangement in the shape of the Wales flag

  • Former Wales manager Chris Coleman, Liverpool legend Ian Rush and Yorath's former Leeds teammate Joe Jordan are among those present

  • During his eulogy, mourners hear how he was "ravaged by grief" by the death of his son Daniel at the age of 15

  • Cardiff-born Yorath captained Wales in 42 of his 59 international appearances

  • He was part of the Leeds side that won the First Division in 1973-74 and lost in the 1975 European Cup final

  • Following his death, Yorath's daughter Gabby Logan paid tribute to her "warrior" dad

  1. Thanks for joining uspublished at 14:58 GMT

    That brings an end to our live coverage of the funeral of Wales and Leeds United great Terry Yorath.

    He died earlier this month, aged 75.

    The funeral of the Cardiff-born football hero took place in Leeds, with an array of sporting stars in attendance.

    As well as Yorath's sports presenter daughter Gabby Logan, there was former Wales manager Chris Coleman, Liverpool legend Ian Rush and Yorath’s former Leeds teammate Joe Jordan.

    His coffin was adorned with flowers in Leeds United’s white, yellow and blue colours, alongside a floral arrangement in the shape of the Welsh flag.

    The service opened with Wales’ national anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, sung by the Cardiff-based male voice choir Côr Meibion Taf.

    In a eulogy read by presenter and comedian Elis James, mourners heard how Yorath was “ravaged by grief” following the death of his son Daniel at the age of 15.

    Yorath’s grandchildren, Reuben and Lois Logan, Gabby Logan's children, also played their part, with Reuben reading a poem and Lois singing Jerusalem.

    A second eulogy was delivered by Yorath’s son, Jordan Yorath, before the service closed with Danny Boy, sung by Côr Meibion Taf - described as a “poignant” tribute to Daniel.

    The choir then sang You’ll Never Walk Alone as the congregation left the church.

    Following a private burial service, a wake takes place at Leeds United's Elland Road.

    You can read a round-up of the day here.

    Image showing the bearers carrying Yorath's coffin out of the church. They are wearing black suits and the coffin has a floral tribute on top.Image source, PA Media
  2. He was special and gave me all the confidence - Ian Rushpublished at 14:48 GMT

    Eleri Griffiths
    BBC Wales

    Liverpool legend Ian Rush paid tribute to Yorath for the huge influence he had on his career, both as his team-mate and manager for Wales.

    Outside the church, Rush explained how Yorath was the national team's captain when he made his Wales debut against Scotland, aged 18.

    "He gave me all the confidence," Rush says.

    "As a manager he always put players before himself and he was something special."

    Rush says he will "never forget" the day in 1991 when he scored the winning goal which meant Wales beat Germany 1-0.

    "It was with the help of Terry making me feel confident and that's something I'll never forget," he adds.

    Rush says the amount of former Welsh players at the service "goes to show how much he meant to Wales".

    It was a "fantastic service" and the "choir and everyone in there was absolutely superb", he added.

    Ian Rush smiling outside the church wearing a grey and white suit.
  3. Sports stars celebrate life of Wales football legendpublished at 14:37 GMT

    Along with Yorath's daughter Gabby and son-in-law, former Scotland rugby player Kenny Logan, the church was filled with an array of sporting celebrities.

    Among the former Wales internationals were Ian Rush, Kevin Ratcliffe, Mickey Thomas and another former boss of the international side, Chris Coleman.

    Former Leeds United team-mate Eddie Gray and player-turned-pundit Chris Kamara also attended.

    Mickey Thomas outside the church with one finger in the air. Her wears a white shirt, black tie and jumper and a black jacket.Image source, PA Media
    Kevin Ratcliffe among mourners outside the church. He is holding his thumb up.Image source, PA Media
    Ian Rush outside the church wearing a black and white suit.
    Chris Kamara among mourners outside the church.Image source, PA Media
    Eddie Gray getting a car smiling. He is wearing a navy suit and jacket with a tartan scarf.Image source, PA Media
    Paul Reaney and Stix Lockwood arriving at the church, both wearing black suits and jackets. Paul is standing on the left.Image source, PA Media
  4. He did everything and he suffered as well - Chris Kamarapublished at 14:25 GMT

    David Spereall
    Reporter, BBC Yorkshire

    "It was a beautiful service," said former footballer and pundit Chris Kamara.

    "Terry - what a marvellous career. He did everything and he suffered as well - the Bradford fire and his son Daniel. What a man.”

    Another ex-player, Andy Booth, said: "It was a fitting service for such a wonderful gentleman.

    "Once you met Taff you fell in love with him.

    "He was a tough man but he had a heart of gold. For Leeds United, Bradford City and Huddersfield Town to have such high regard for him just shows what kind of man he was."

  5. Footballers remember the hard man with a softer centrepublished at 14:16 GMT

    Steve Duffy
    BBC Wales

    Yorath with Ian Rush and Dean Saunders before a match in 1993Image source, Getty Images

    Warm tributes were paid from the football world after Terry Yorath's death.

    Former team-mates and opponents remembered a player as hard as nails on the pitch but with a twinkle in the eye off it.

    Old Leeds team-mate Eddie Gray called him a “tough player, a very good player but above all a very good man” who had been very proud to captain Wales.

    Paul Reaney said he was a “good team-mate who knew how to make people laugh.”

    Ex-Manchester United and Wales midfielder Mickey Thomas said: “I was lucky enough to play with him, but to play against him was a nightmare. I played against him at Old Trafford and he kicked lumps out of me.”

    Those who played under him also remembered his impact.

    Former Wales forward Dean Saunders called him a big influence, “hard as nails, straight down the middle”.

    "I used to talk to Graeme Souness, and I asked 'is there anybody who you thought was harder than you?'," he said.

    "And he just said 'Terry Yorath'. He respected Terry."

    Former midfielder Clayton Blackmore said as a manager, he wanted his players to focus, adding: "He was very resilient.

    "He was a tough guy, and a tough player on the field. He was a fantastic person, with a great family.

    “He was proud of all his kids, I think that's all you can ask for as an adult. He was a fantastic guy and he'll be sadly missed.”

    Leeds fans applause for former Leeds United player, Terry Yorath, who passed away on January 7, aged 75, after a short illness, ahead of the Premier League match at Elland Road, Leeds.Image source, PA Media
  6. Yorath on Mount Rushmore of Welsh football - Elis Jamespublished at 14:04 GMT

    Speaking after the funeral, presenter and comedian Elis James, says it was an “honour” to have read a eulogy to Yorath.

    “His Wales team of the 80s and 90s is what made me fall in love with football,” James explains.

    “He was part of every big moment in Welsh football between the 70s and the 90s, either as captain or manager.

    “For me, he’s on the Mount Rushmore of Welsh football."

    Elis James stood in front of a green bush wearing a navy suit and navy trench coat with a serious look.
  7. Liverpool legend Ian Rush among mournerspublished at 13:54 GMT

    Several former Wales players who played under Yorath are among those filing out of the church following the service.

    They include Ian Rush, Kevin Ratcliffe and Mickey Thomas, as well as representatives from the Football Association of Wales.

    Close up of Ian Rush outside the church wearing a black and white suit.
  8. A look back at Terry Yorath's lifepublished at 13:41 GMT

    Oliver Slow
    BBC News

    Terry YorathImage source, PA Media

    As the family departs the church service, before a wake at Leeds’ Elland Road later, here’s a recap of Terry Yorath’s life and career.

    He played for Leeds United, Coventry City and Tottenham Hotspur, skippered Wales in 42 of his 59 international appearances, and later managed Swansea City, Bradford City, Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday.

    He will always be closely associated with the Wales team he managed that just missed out on qualification for the 1994 World Cup after an agonising defeat by Romania.

    Yorath was also a First Division title winner with Leeds in 1974.

    He is survived by three children - son Jordan and daughters Louise and Gabby, the sports presenter who married Scotland rugby union international Kenny Logan.

    Another son, Daniel, died suddenly at the age of 15 in 1992 from the genetic heart condition hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

    Yorath was also player-coach of Bradford in 1985 and was at Valley Parade when a fire killed 56 people.

    Logan described her dad as a “warrior on the football pitch”, but a “kind hearted and generous man off it”.

  9. Terry Yorath's life in picturespublished at 13:30 GMT

    A black and white image of Terry Yorath playing for WalesImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Born in Cardiff, Yorath was a combative midfielder after emerging in Don Revie’s Leeds United team in the early 1970s, winning the First Division title in 1974

    Terry Yorath in the light blue shirt of Coventry, tackling a player in a yellow shirtImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    He joined Coventry in 1976, captaining the Sky Blues for most of his three seasons there before joining Tottenham in 1979

    A black and white image of Terry Yorath with his children, wife and dogImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    He is survived by three children – son Jordan and daughters Louise and Gabby - his other son Daniel, pictured here with his sisters in 1978, died suddenly aged 15 in 1992

    Yorath in a blue jacketImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    As manager in 1993, Yorath steered Wales to within a win of reaching the 1994 finals in the USA, but his team lost 2-1 at home to Romania

    Yorath in a blue Sheffield Wednesday jumperImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Yorath’s daughter, sports presenter Gabby Logan, described him as a “warrior on the football pitch” and a “kind hearted and generous man off it”

  10. Welsh hymn rings out as coffin leaves churchpublished at 13:23 GMT

    Iolo Cheung
    BBC Wales reporter at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church

    As the funeral procession is preparing to leave, another Welsh hymn is played - Gwahoddiad, also known as Arglwydd Dyma Fi (Lord Here I Am).

    The song marks the end of the service.

    Wide image showing Yorath's coffin being carried into the back hearse.
  11. Service ends with poignant tribute to Yorath's sonpublished at 13:21 GMT

    Iolo Cheung
    BBC Wales reporter at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church

    The service ends with Danny Boy, sung by Côr Meibion Taf - what is described as a “poignant” tribute to Daniel, Yorath's son, who tragically died.

    The choir also sing You'll Never Walk Alone as the congregation leaves the church.

    The family will now attend a private burial service, with a wake then held at Leeds’ stadium, Elland Road, afterwards.

  12. 'Goodnight Dad, God bless,' says Yorath's sonpublished at 13:15 GMT

    Yorath’s son Jordan is now delivering the final eulogy.

    He says the family are appreciative of the “truly heart-warming stories” shared by well-wishers.

    “He was a funny, kind, humble and proud man,” Jordan says.

    He adds that his father “persevered through pain” following the death of son Daniel, managing Wales just days later - something he later came to regret.

    “Football was his lifeblood,” Jordan says, noting that after the Bradford City fire, Yorath attended the funerals of all 56 supporters who died.

    He closes with the words: “Goodnight Dad, God bless.”

  13. Yorath's grandchildren read prayerspublished at 13:06 GMT

    Iolo Cheung
    BBC Wales reporter at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church

    Prayers are now being led by Yorath’s grandchildren, Paloma Yorath and Phoenix Yorath.

    Gabby Logan’s son, Reuben Logan, will read a poem before her daughter Lois Logan sings the hymn Jerusalem, at Yorath’s request.

    The congregation will then be led in saying the Lord’s Prayer.

  14. Family members and former footballers at servicepublished at 13:02 GMT

  15. 'Yorath's Catholic faith remained part of who he was'published at 12:54 GMT

    Iolo Cheung
    BBC Wales reporter at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church

    In his sermon, Father Dennis Cassidy says: “Terry lived life to the full in generosity."

    He pays tribute to his “warmth, kindness and sense of humour”, adding that the family was “deeply moved by the very many messages that they have received”.

    “Those who are mourned are not forgotten," he adds.

    Father Dennis goes on to speak of Yorath’s Catholic faith, saying that he “loved the Lord”.

    “His faith remained part of who he was," he says.

    “That is our prayer to Terry now, that he is at peace and laid to rest."

  16. Welsh choir sings second hymnpublished at 12:49 GMT

    Iolo Cheung
    BBC Wales reporter at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church

    The service continues with further hymns, including All Through the Night, sung by the Cardiff-based choir Côr Meibion Taf.

    All Through the Night, is the English translation of the famous Welsh song, Ar Hyd y Nos.

    An opening prayer will then be led by Father Dennis Cassidy, who will also guide the congregation into the Gospel, following the first reading from Pastor Dave Niblock.

  17. Yorath ‘ravaged by grief’ after son's deathpublished at 12:44 GMT

    Iolo Cheung
    BBC Wales reporter at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church

    The eulogy also touches on the death of Yorath’s son Daniel, who collapsed and died suddenly when he was 15.

    James says the death “devastated the whole family and the whole community”, coming seven years after the “horror” of Bradford - it brought Yorath “more unimaginable heartache”, James said.

    Yorath was “ravaged by grief” for the rest of his life, but James said, despite this, “wherever he went he left people feeling better… he had time for everyone”.

    James ends the eulogy referencing Daniel’s loss, saying that the hope was that after Yorath’s final breath, “what he heard was ‘Hello Dad’".

  18. Yorath encouraged his children to play all sportspublished at 12:40 GMT

    The eulogy given by presenter and comedian Elis James, talks of Yorath’s managerial career, including the harrowing spell at Bradford manager while having to deal with the effects of the devastating fire in 1985.

    Later, his period as Wales manager had them playing “great football” and almost qualified for the 1994 World Cup, James explains.

    In his personal life, Yorath encouraged his children to play all sorts of sports, many of which they excelled at.

  19. About 100 mourners are at the servicepublished at 12:36 GMT

    About 100 mourners have gathered at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Leeds for Yorath's funeral.

    The service is heavily influenced by Yorath's Welsh roots, with hymns and a choir, as well as readings focusing on his football career with Leeds, and his granddaughter will sing.

    Yorath's coffing being carried into the church by men dressed in black suits. People are gathered outside the entrance doors.
  20. Integral part of title-winning sidepublished at 12:30 GMT

    Iolo Cheung
    BBC Wales reporter at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church

    Presenter and comedian Elis James is now giving a eulogy, and tells the congregation of Terry Yorath’s decision as a teenager to pursue a career in football, rather than rugby.

    After earning an apprenticeship with Leeds as a 15-year-old, he worked his way into the first team and also met and married his wife, Christine.

    He later became an “integral part” of the team that became league champions – Yorath was also the first Welshman to play in the European Cup final.

    It was during his time in Leeds that Yorath also converted to Catholicism.

    As for his Wales career, “he was fierce and proud to play for his country”, captaining the team during the Euro 1976 campaign.

    Yorath was also instrumental in pushing for changing the anthem played before Wales games from God Save The Queen to Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, James said.