Footballer McQueen diagnosed with cancer

The 59-year-old will have the treatment in Middlesbrough, close to his North Yorkshire home. A statement released on behalf of McQueen said: “Gordon McQueen has been diagnosed with cancer of the larynx and will undergo treatment at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.”

Kilbirnie-born McQueen made his name as a player with Leeds United after signing for Don Revie’s team from St Mirren as a 19-year-old in 1972. He was part of the famous Elland Road side of the 1970s which won the league title and reached the final of the European Cup before heading for Manchester United along with his fellow Scotland international Joe Jordan, where he was to form a lasting friendship with Bryan Robson.

Robson himself had to have an operation to remove a cancerous tumour from his throat earlier this year.

McQueen was a member of Robson’s coaching staff during his spell at Middlesbrough and until recently, was employed by the Teessiders as a scout.

McQueen has also worked as a television pundit with Sky Sports, for whom his daughter Hayley works as a presenter.

Hayley tweeted last night: “Thank you all so much for the tweets regarding my Dad, Gordon McQueen. I don’t think the cancer stands a chance.”

McQueen – recognised for his towering presence and mane of blond hair – became a hero to the Tartan Army when he scored the first goal in Scotland’s famous 2-1 win over England at Wembley in 1977. He went to Argentina the following year as part of Ally MacLeod’s World Cup squad, but injury prevented him from making an appearance at the finals.

McQueen won 30 international caps and scored five goals for Scotland, playing his last game in 1981.

At club level, he won a championship medal with Leeds in the 1973-4 season and an FA Cup winner’s medal with Manchester United in 1983.

After retiring from football in 1985, McQueen briefly tried his hand at management with Airdrie in the 1987-8 season, but more recently has occupied coaching, scouting and broadcasting roles.

McQueen’s father Tommy was also a professional footballer, playing in goal with East Fife, Queen of the South, Hibernian and Accrington Stanley. His son began his schoolboy career as a goalkeeper, but he soon became recognised a fast and commanding central defender.