Family, friends, and former teammates bid farewell to footballing icon Gordon McQueen, 70, at his funeral today.

The former Manchester United and Leeds United defender, and Middlesbrough FC coach, whose career spanned 26 years, died earlier this month (June 15) after battling with vascular dementia.

Footballing fans across the North East have been left mourning the legend's passing, while family and friends attended his funeral today (June 29) at Saint Mary's Cathedral in Coulby Newham.

Leeds United legend Eddie Gray described his friend as the 'finest football player I ever met'.

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The Northern Echo: Gordon McQueen's Scotland cap proudly displayed

He said: "As people know he was ill for a while. It is a sad time.

"Gordon was a great lad. He was one of the finest football players I ever met in my life.

"He was a good lad and a legend of the game."

A crowd of friends and family gathered in the sunshine to pay their respects.

McQueen's Scotland cap was proudly displayed on top of his coffin as it was carried into the funeral.

Peter Reid, who played against McQueen when he was at Bolton Wanderers, made a heartfelt tribute to his one time rival.

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He said: "I played against him when he was at Leeds United. He was brilliant.

"Then he moved to Manchester United and I was a great admirer of his abilities as a footballer.

"He was a good person too. He was the life and soul of the party."

During his time at Manchester United, the centre back won the FA cup and made 184 appearances.

McQueen was also called up to the Scotland squad in 1974, soon becoming their captain, and helping them qualify for the 1978 World Cup by beating Wales at Anfield.

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Some of McQueen's fellow Manchester United stars, Gordon Strachan and Bryan Robson attended the funeral.

They were joined by Sky Sports pundit Jeff Stelling, who was there alongside ex-Scotland striker Joe Jordan.

Here are some of the pictures from the funeral:

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The Northern Echo: Pundit Jeff Stelling (left) and Leeds legend Eddie Gray (right)

The Northern Echo: Gordon Strachan (left) and Bryan Robson (right) attending the funeral

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