Peter Lorimer, former Leeds and Scotland midfielder, dies aged 74
A report reaching zackgh.com is Peter Patrick Lorimer is a Scottish former footballer, best known for his time with Leeds United and Scotland during the late 1960s and early 1970s is dead. He was an attacking midfielder, generally regarded as having one of the hardest shots in football.
Players and staff of Premier League giants Leeds United have been thrown into mourning following the demise of their legend Peter Lorimer who died at the age of 74. Peter Lorimer during his active playing days in the English football was one of the best attacking midfielders scoring 200 goals for Leeds United. The Dundee born forward played 705 times for Leeds over two spells at the Yorkshire club before he left the side. He became their youngest ever player when he made his debut in 1962 at the age of 15 years and 289 days.
Lorimer became Leeds’ youngest ever player when he made his debut against Southampton in September 1962 at the age of 15 years, 289 days.
It is with great sadness, #LUFC has learned of the passing of club legend Peter Lorimer this morning at the age of 74 following a long-term illness
— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 20, 2021
As an attacking midfielder, he would go on to become a key member of Revie’s team that became a dominant force in English football, winning the League Cup in 1968, the First Division in 1969 and 1974, the Charity Shield in 1969 and the FA Cup in 1972.
They also tasted European success with victory in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1968 and 1971, as well as reaching the 1973 European Cup Winners’ Cup final and the 1975 European Cup final.
He thought he had scored in the European Cup final, but his goal was controversially disallowed, and Leeds lost to Bayern Munich.
Many of Lorimer’s goals were smashed into the net with such force he was given the nicknames ‘Hotshot’ and ‘Lash’ by the supporters.
He left Leeds in 1979 for spells with Toronto Blizzard, Vancouver Whitecaps and York City before returning to Elland Road in 1983 at the age of 37, when the club were in what was then the Second Division.
He scored a further 19 goals in 87 appearances to break the club’s scoring record before moving to Whitby Town in 1985.
He retained his links with Leeds following his retirement as a player, serving as a director and a club ambassador.
He also worked as a pundit for BBC Radio Leeds, had a column in the Yorkshire Evening Post and wrote a column in the club’s match day programme until as recently as last month’s Premier League game against Aston Villa.
‘A legend we all aspire to be like’ – tributes
Lorimer’s former Leeds team-mate Eddie Gray told Football Focus: “Peter was a truly great player, but he was also a great man.
“Peter could do anything. He could go by people; he was a great crosser of the ball. People think about him and his tremendous shot, which he did have, but he was also a great goalscorer and great footballer.
“He will be sorely missed by all the Leeds United fans.”
Current Leeds captain Liam Cooper paid tribute to Lorimer, tweeting: “Fly High Peter. A legend that we all aspire to be like. Sending all our love to Peter’s family.”
Leeds midfielder Stuart Dallas also wrote on Twitter: “After the high of last night, we learn of such sad news this morning. My thoughts are with Peter’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani tweeted: “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.”
