Tribute to a legend as he passes away at 74
Scotland great and Leeds United legend, Peter Lorimer, passed away yesterday.
He was 74.
News of Lorimer’s illness emerged last month when it was revealed he was being cared for at a hospice, and his passing was revealed on his former club’s website.
A statement read: “It is with great sadness, Leeds United has learned of the passing of club legend Peter Lorimer this morning at the age of 74 following a long-term illness.
“Peter made a huge 705 appearances for the Whites over two spells and is the club’s record goalscorer, having netted 238 times in all competitions.
“Peter’s contribution to Leeds United will never be forgotten and his passing leaves another huge hole in the Leeds United family.
“He will always remain a club icon and his legacy at Elland Road will live on.
“Our thoughts are naturally with Peter’s wife, Sue, and the rest of his family at this difficult time.
“Rest in peace, Peter.”
The last 12 months have seen the Yorkshire club lose club greats Jack Charlton, Norman Hunter, Trevor Cherry and now Lorimer.
The Dundonian, who at his peak was renowned to possess one of the most powerful shots in the game, wrote himself into the club’s folklore during a trophy-laden career in West Yorkshire.
Having been spotted as a youngster playing in his home town he was snapped up by Leeds and handed a senior debut at the age of 15 years and 289 days against Southampton in September, 1962.
He remains the youngest player to have represented the club at senior level.
Variously dubbed “Hot Shot” and “Lasher”, he was an integral member of the team assembled by Don Revie, which also included Jack Charlton, Billy Bremner, Johnny Giles and Eddie Gray, which rose to prominence at home and in Europe during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
His trophy haul included two first division titles, FA and League Cup wins, two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups and the Charity Shield.
Lorimer also had a goal controversially ruled out in the 1975 European Cup Final as Leeds went down 2-0 to Bayern Munich in Paris.
In addition, he won 21 caps and scored four goals for his country, who he represented at the 1974 World Cup Finals in Germany.
Lorimer left Leeds in 1979 for spells with Toronto Blizzard and Vancouver Whitecaps.
He returned to England with York City, and then in 1983 arrived back at Elland Road to make a further 87 appearances and add 19 goals to his tally, before heading for Whitby and ultimately into retirement.
Eddie Gray was a part of the great Don Revie side which featured Lorimer, and was also his fellow Scot’s best friend.
“As well as being a great player and goalscorer, he was a great lad,” said Gray.
“He was my room-mate for 12 years, all over Europe, up and down the country.
“It’s a sad day for me and my team-mates that are still here. We’ve had a terrible year.
“I used to go over and see him every weekend before the lockdown, have a chat, reminisce, still enjoying watching the football club.
“The sad thing for Leeds United is that there will be a lot of fans crying with the passing of Peter, and they can’t go and watch their beloved club either, the club Peter loved so much.”
Post-playing, Lorimer remained a prominent figure at Elland Road, working as an ambassador and attending home and away games.
Club chairman, Andrea Radrizzani, said on Twitter: “Another Legend left us. My prayers with the family. It has been an honour to meet you and host you at Elland Road, your home.”
Current Leeds United captain and Scotland international, Liam Cooper posted: “Fly High, Peter. A legend that we all aspire to be like. Sending all our love to Peters family”.
The Scottish FA said it was “deeply saddened” at his death, while the English Football League called Lorimer “a true legend of the game”.