An inquiry into the headed goals scored by Scotland football legend Gordon McQueen is set to be undertaken as part of an inquest into his tragic death. The iconic player, who passed away at the age of 70 in 2023 following a dementia diagnosis, represented his country 30 times and found the net on five occasions.
One of McQueen’s most memorable goals was a powerful header against England at Wembley in 1977. During a hearing at Northallerton Coroners Court, it was revealed that the inquest will delve into the number of goals the towering centre half scored for Scotland using his head. Representing the Scottish FA, Craig Murray KC stated that they would provide details on McQueen’s training regimen, games played, and specifically, “The number of goals he scored and the number of goals he scored by headers.”
McQueen’s daughter, Hayley, a prominent Sky Sports journalist, informed the court that her father’s medical records from 1972 to 1995 were currently untraceable. She explained that while she and her siblings were registered with a GP in Scotland, their father’s medical appointments were managed through his football clubs. The coroner, Jon Heath, emphasized the need to locate McQueen’s medical records from the 1970s and 80s before proceeding with the inquest.
Born in Ayrshire, Gordon McQueen began his career at St Mirren before enjoying success at Leeds United and Manchester United. After retiring, he took up coaching roles and eventually settled in North Yorkshire. Following a battle with larynx cancer and vascular dementia, McQueen’s family raised concerns about the impact of heading the ball on his health.
The inquest date is pending while efforts are made to secure McQueen’s medical records for further investigation. The football community awaits the findings of the inquiry, hoping to gain insights into the potential link between heading footballs and long-term health implications.
In conclusion, Gordon McQueen’s legacy as a footballing icon and the questions surrounding the impact of his playing style on his health serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of player welfare in sports. As the inquest progresses, there is a collective interest in understanding and addressing any potential risks associated with heading the ball in football, highlighting the ongoing evolution of player safety measures in the sport.