Jake Humphrey leads as broadcasters rally around Hayley McQueen
Jake Humphrey leads the way as broadcasters rally around Sky Sports presenter Hayley McQueen in the wake of father Gordon’s death at 70 after dementia battle
- Hayley McQueen paid tribute to her father after he passed away on Thursday
- The defender won the First Division with Leeds and the FA Cup with Man United
- OBITUARY: McQueen was a rumbustious presence outside of the football pitch
Broadcasters and former players have sent their condolences and thoughts to Hayley McQueen, after her father, Gordon, passed away on Thursday.
The Scottish legend died at 70 following a cruel battle with dementia, having hung up his boots in 1986 at the culmination of a 16-year career in the game.
As well as spending seven years with the Red Devils, the centre back wore the white shirt of rivals Leeds for six years before a switch to United in 1978.
With the Red Devils, McQueen lifted the FA Cup and Community Shield in 1983, after having been crowned a champions of England in 1974 with the Whites.
Hayley, a Sky broadcaster herself, posted a heart-wrenching tribute to her father on Instagram, claiming her live will not longer be the same, but that she wants to remember her dad ‘for the man he was’.
Hayley McQueen shared a number of touching pictures of her father in tribute after his death
Hayley (right) was one of Gordon’s three children, and offered a heartfelt message after his passing
Hayley received the love and support of her fellow broadcasters after sharing her Instagram post
And her broadcasting colleagues flooded her post with comments sending their support and condolences at such a tragic time for her and her family.
Jake Humphrey wrote: ‘So sorry Hayley. Much love to you all xxx.’
Simon Thomas added: ‘Hayley our love and thoughts are with you and all of the family. He was a giant of a man on and off the pitch and just a lovely man.’
Trevor Sinclair commented with a heartbroken emoji, followed by a pair of praying hands.
Helen Evans, MUTV presenter, wrote: ‘So so sad to hear this, a truly lovely man.’
And Mark Schwarzer wrote: ‘So sorry to hear about the passing of your father, he was a great man and will never be forgotten.’
Hayley herself wrote: ‘Beyond heartbroken to announce we have lost our wonderful dad, I thought when the day came I’d be prepared & feel a sense of relief that he is no longer trying to battle this awful disease but I just feel numb.
‘I’m hoping we can now remember him for the man he was & not the man he became this last few years. We thought we were losing him when home palliative care came to look after him back in December, we were distraught but being the big strong man that he is, battled on for many months.
The Sky broadcaster’s colleagues were quick to rally around her after she announced the news
McQueen called for people to remember ‘the man he was’ rather than ‘the man he became’ as his struggle with dementia continued
‘Whilst it’s been unimaginably sad & at times unbearable for my mum who has cared for him at home we’ve had precious time with him whilst this cruel disease & all that comes with it completely took over, he certainly put up a fight.
‘One comfort was he knew all his friends & family right till the end but to watch someone slowly die I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
‘I now want to remember my Dad for the man he was, the ultimate entertainer, the life and soul of every occasion, the greatest storyteller who certainly lived life to the full, he made sure everything was one big adventure & full of so much fun for me Anna & Eddie.
‘His career gave me one too & I will be forever grateful for him passing on so much of who is and what he loved. Life really won’t be the same without him but he is now at peace.’
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