(Image: PA)
Ian Rush paid his respects as football great Terry Yorath was laid to rest today (January 26). Former Leeds and Wales midfielder Yorath died aged 75 earlier this month after a short illness.
His funeral took place at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Moortown and the world of football united to pay tribute to Yorath's memory. Rush was managed by Yorath at Wales and was part of the squad that agonisingly missed out on World Cup qualification in 1994. The Reds highest ever goalscorer shared his memories of ahead of the service as he told the Press Association: "We know how hard he was as a player but I think as a manager, he had a soft spot to him and that’s what made him a great manager.
“He wanted to win. That’s what it’s all about. He wanted to win, and he put the team first. He put the individual players before himself. He didn’t want all the glory, although he desperately wanted to be successful.”
Former Everton and Wales star Kevin Ratcliffe was also among the mourners today.
Yorath is survived by three children, who include BBC Sport presenter Gabby Logan, daughter Louise and son Jordan. Yorath dealt with tragedy during his life as his son, Daniel, died suddenly at the age of 15 in 1992 from the genetic heart condition hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Yorath was also a player-coach at Bradford and was present at Valley Parade when a fire killed 56 people in 1985. Rush said the way he faced adversity was a testament to Yorath's character.
He added: “He was a very humble man. And what he went through, and everything, you know for him to do that makes him a special person.”
Broadcaster Gabby requested the funeral was attended by Cardiff-based male choir Cor Meibion Taf, who sang Liverpool FC anthem You'll Never Walk Alone, Danny Boy, in tribute to Daniel and the hymn All Through the Night. Here is a round up of the people who paid tribute to Yorath on an emotional afternoon
Yorath was laid to rest at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Moortown (Image: PA) 1 of 11
Gabby Logan and Kenny Logan with daughter Lois Maya Logan (centre right) following the funeral service for Terry Yorath at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Leeds (Image: PA) 2 of 11
Kevin Ratcliffe following the funeral service for Terry Yorath at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Leeds