Footballer Terry Yorath was remembered as a “funny, nice guy” at the funeral

Family and friends have paid tribute to Welsh football legend Terry Yorath, with his son describing him as a “funny, kind, humble and proud man”.

About 100 mourners attended the funeral of the Cardiff-born midfielder, who died aged 75 earlier this month after a short illness.

The service, which included hymns from the Welsh choir Côr Meibion ​​Taf, was held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Leeds, before the wake at Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium.

Yorat’s son, Jordan, said the family appreciated the “truly heart-warming stories” shared by well-wishers.

He said his father “held on through the pain” after the death of Daniel, who collapsed and died suddenly when he was 15 from a hereditary heart condition, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Yorath was also a player-coach for Bradford in 1985 and was at Valley Parade when a fire killed 56 people.

“Football was his lifeline,” Jordan said, noting that after the Bradford fire, Yurat attended the funerals of all those who died.

Broadcaster and comedian Ellis James delivered a eulogy, saying Daniel’s death had “devastated the whole family and the whole community”, seven years after the Bradford “horror”.

James said Jorath was “grieved” for the rest of his life, adding that despite this, “everywhere he went he left people feeling better… he had time for everyone.”

James added that the hope was that after Yorat took his last breath, “what he heard was, ‘Hey, Dad.'”

Speaking after the service, James said it was an “honour” to read Liorat’s eulogy.

“His Welsh team in the 80s and 90s is what made me fall in love with football,” James told the BBC.

“He was part of every big moment in Welsh football between the 1970s and 1990s, whether as captain or coach.

“For me, he is on the Mount Rushmore of Welsh football.”

Footballer turned pundit Chris Kamara described it as a “beautiful service”.

“Terry – what a fantastic career. He’s done it all and gone through it too – the Bradford Fire and his son Daniel. What a man,” he said.

Liverpool legend Ian Rush has paid tribute to Borath for the huge influence he had on his career.

“He gave me all the confidence,” Rush told the BBC outside the church.

He added: “As a coach, he always put the players before himself, and he was something special.”

Rush said he would “never forget” the day in 1991 when he scored the winning goal as Wales beat Germany 1-0.

He added: “With Terry’s help, she made me feel confident and that is something I will never forget.”

Iorat’s coffin was decorated with Leeds United blue, yellow and white flowers, along with a flower arrangement in the shape of the Welsh flag.

As the procession entered the church, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau was sung and the first hymn was Cwm Rhondda.

His grandchildren Paloma and Phoenix Yurat also led the prayer.

Gabby Logan’s son, Robin Logan, read a poem before her daughter, Lois Logan, sang the Jerusalem Hymn, at Yorat’s request.

The service ended with Danny Boy’s song, sung by Cor Mebion Taf, in what was described as a “moving” tribute to Daniel.

The choir also sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone” as the congregation left the church.

The family then proceeded to a private burial, with a funeral to take place afterwards at Leeds Stadium, Elland Road.

James said Jorath was “fierce and proud to play for his country” and captained the team during the Euro 1976 campaign.

James said he was also instrumental in pushing for the anthem played before Wales matches to be changed from God Save the Queen to Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.

In his personal life, Yurat encouraged his children to play all types of sports, in which they greatly excelled.

Father Dennis Cassidy said in his sermon that Yorat “lived life to the fullest in generosity.”

He praised his “warmth, kindness and sense of humour”, adding that the family had been “deeply touched by the many letters they received”.

He added: “Those who grieve do not forget.”

Several former Wales players who played under Yorath were among those who walked out of the church after the service.

They included Ian Rush, Kevin Ratcliffe and Mickey Thomas, as well as representatives from the Football Association of Wales.

Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan and former Wolves player Don Goodman were among the mourners at the funeral, along with sports commentator Bryn Law.

Yorath captained Wales in 42 of his 59 caps, and was part of the Leeds side that won the First Division in the 1973-74 season and lost in the 1975 European Cup final.

Additional reporting by Ellery Griffiths and Oliver Slough