Peter Lorimer, the all-time record goalscorer for Leeds United, passed away at the age of 74, the team said.
Over two 23-year stints, the former Scotland international scored 238 goals in 705 games for Leeds.
Under the renowned manager Don Revie at Leeds, he won the FA Cup and the League Cup in addition to two league crowns.
Following a protracted illness, Lorimer passed away on Saturday morning, Leeds said “with great sadness.”
According to a statement, “Peter’s loss leaves another enormous hole in the Leeds United family, and his contribution to Leeds United will never be forgotten.”
“He will always remain a club icon and his legacy at Elland Road will live on.”
Peter Lorimer, the all-time leading goalscorer for Leeds United, passes away at the age of 74.
In addition, Lorimer earned 21 caps for Scotland and participated in all three of their World Cup games, including the decisive 2-0 victory over Zaire.
The Scottish FA expressed its “deep sadness” at learning of Lorimer’s passing in a tweet.
According to Peter Lorimer’s obituary, “a spectacular symbol of a golden era at Leeds.”
At the age of 15 years, 289 days, Lorimer made his debut against Southampton in September 1962, making history as Leeds’ youngest player ever.
He was an offensive midfielder for Revie’s team, which went on to win the League Cup in 1968, the First Division in 1969 and 1974, the Charity Shield in 1969, and the FA Cup in 1972. This team went on to become a dominant force in English football.
Their victories in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1968 and 1971, as well as their appearances in the European Cup Winners’ Cup final in 1973 and the European Cup final in 1975, gave them another taste of European success.
In the European Cup final, he felt he had scored, but Leeds lost to Bayern Munich after his goal was controversially disallowed.
The fans nicknamed Lorimer “Hotshot” and “Lash” for the power with which he crashed several of his goals into the net.
After stints with the Toronto Blizzard, Vancouver Whitecaps, and York City, he departed Leeds in 1979. At the age of 37, he returned to Elland Road in 1983, when the team was playing in the Second Division.
Before transferring to Whitby Town in 1985, he broke the club’s scoring record with 19 more goals in 87 games.
After retiring from playing, he continued to be associated with Leeds as a director and club ambassador.
In addition, he penned a column for the Yorkshire Evening Post, was a pundit for BBC Radio Leeds, and contributed to the team’s matchday program up until last month’s Premier League match against Aston Villa.
In tributes, Eddie Gray, a former teammate of Lorimer’s from Leeds, said, “Peter was a truly great player, but he was also a great man.” “A legend we all aspire to be like,” Gray said.
“Peter was a superhuman. He was a fantastic ball crosser and could move past anybody. Not only did he have a fantastic shot, as many people believe, but he was also an excellent goal scorer and football player.
“He will be sorely missed by all the Leeds United fans.”
Liam Cooper, the captain of Leeds currently, tweeted in honor of Lorimer, saying, “Fly High Peter. A role model for all of us to strive toward. Our deepest sympathies go out to Peter’s family.”
Stuart Dallas, a midfielder for Leeds, also posted on Twitter, saying, “After last night’s high, we learn of such sad news this morning.” During this trying moment, my thoughts are with Peter’s friends and family.”
Andrea Radrizzani, the chairman of Leeds, tweeted: “We lost another Legend. It has been an honor to meet you and have you stay at Elland Road, your home. Please accept my prayers on behalf of the family.”
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