A former professional footballer may have died as a result of heading the ball during his sporting days, an inquest hearing has heard.

A pre-inquest review at Northallerton Coroners Court today (Tuesday, January 14), looked into the death of former defender Gordon McQueen

Mr McQueen, who played for Manchester United, Leeds United, St Mirren and the Scottish national team, before coaching at Middlesbrough Football Club, died in June 2023 at Hutton Rudby, near Northallerton, aged 70.

Gordon McQueen, Manchester United. Scottish international defender in action during the FA Charity Shield match against League Champions Liverpool at Wembley in 1983 (Image: PA) The review, which sometimes takes place before a full inquest to discuss legal arguments and other queries, saw representatives of the Football Association (FA), Scottish Football Association, Manchester United, Leeds United and some of Mr McQueen's family gather.

At the hearing, it was noted that Mr McQueen died of pneumonia and vascular dementia, but a post-mortem examination also indicated that Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition thought to be linked to repeated head injuries and blows to the head, could have also been a factor in the 70-year-old's death.

While the post-mortem exam indicated CTE, Martin Porter, a legal representative for the FA told the coroner that he wanted to explore and question the medical professionals about the scope of CTE and whether they were caused during Mr McQueen's footballing days.

Mr Porter also highlighted that medical records for the former footballer weren't included between 1972 and 1995 - which he said should be requested from Manchester United, Leeds United, and St Mirren.

"Playing football is generally a healthy pastime to be encouraged. It's going to be a complex case trying to prove the CTE came from heading the football," said Mr Porter.

The concerns from Mr Porter were shared by the legal representative for the Scottish Football Association, Craig Murray KC, who said that he would like to ask questions to Mr McQueen's GP and the person who undertook the post-mortem exam to find out more about the potential links to CTE.

Gordon McQueen during his playing days (Image: ARCHIVE) The hearing was concluded by coroner Mr Heath, who said that medical records would need to be found and questions directed to medical professionals before a full inquest could take place.

No indication of the timeframe for the full inquest was given by Mr Heath, and the hearing was adjourned to a date yet to be set.

Following Mr McQueen's death in 2023, tributes poured in for the former defender, including from Middlesbrough Football Club, where he was a coach.

McQueen was a huge figure at Boro during Bryan Robson's time in charge of the club and later returned as a scout, before settling and living in the area.

A statement issued on behalf of the McQueen family at the time read: “It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather.

“We hope that as well as creating many great football memories for club and his country, he will be remembered for the love, laughter and bravery that characterised his career and his family life – not least during his recent battles with ill health.

Gordon McQueen (Image: ARCHIVE) “Our house was always a buzz of friends, family and football and this constant support sustained him as he fought bravely against the cruel impact of dementia.

“The disease may have taken him too soon and while we struggle to comprehend life without him, we celebrate a man who lived life to the full: the ultimate entertainer, the life and soul of every occasion, the heart and soul of every dressing room, the most fun dad, husband and grandfather we could ever have wished for.

“The family would like to express our huge thanks to the wonderful staff at Herriot Hospice Homecare for their outstanding care; the utterly incredible Marie Curie team who were there with us all until the end; and Head for Change for the emotional support and respite care.

“Finally, to our wonderful friends and family who are a constant source of support we send our utmost love and gratitude."

In a statement at the time, Middlesbrough FC said the club was "deeply saddened" to learn of Mr McQueen's passing and thoughts are with family and friends. He was diagnosed with vascular dementia in early 2021.

After retiring as a player, Mr McQueen was a coach at Airdrieonians and boyhood club St Mirren, before joining his friend and former Manchester United teammate Bryan Robson at Boro in 1995.

He went on to establish himself as a vital and popular figure in an exciting and memorable time on Teesside as Boro signed superstars and made cup finals.

He was initially reserve team coach for five years before spending two seasons as part of Robson's first team coaching staff.

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He left Boro alongside Robson in 2001 but returned as a scout seven years later.

He settled in the area, lived in Hutton Rudby and his daughter Hayley played a starring role on BoroTV before going on to become a household name.

As a player, McQueen was among the outstanding central defenders of his era, winning 30 caps for Scotland between 1974 and 1981.

He came to prominence in England following his move to Leeds from St Mirren in 1972, helping the Yorkshire club to league title success in 1973-74 and playing a key role in their run to the European Cup final in 1975.