Leeds United icon Peter Lorimer has died at the age of 74.
The Premier League club announced on Saturday morning that Lorimer had passed away following a long-term illness.
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An attacking midfielder who boasted a ferocious shot, Lorimer was the youngest player to represent Leeds at the age of 15 years and 289 days and went on to make 705 appearances for the Whites over two spells.
He is the club’s all-time top goalscorer, having netted 238 times in all competitions, and was part of a legendary team under Don Revie.
During his brilliant Elland Road career, he won seven honours, including two league titles, the FA Cup and League Cup.
Lorimer was renowed for not only for his spectacular goals, but also for the awesome power he generated with his explosive right boot.
Earning nicknames such as ‘Hotshot’, ‘Thunderboots’ and ‘Lash’, he once smashed a penalty that was recorded at 107mph.
“Peter’s contribution to Leeds United will never be forgotten and his passing leaves another huge hole in the Leeds United family,” the club said.
“He will always remain a club icon and his legacy at Elland Road will live on.
“Our thoughts are naturally with Peter’s wife Sue and the rest of his family at this difficult time.
“Rest in peace, Peter.”
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Lorimer was an integral member of the Leeds side under Revie that became one of the most feared teams in Europe during the 1960s and 70s.
He also played 21 times for Scotland and scored at the 1974 World Cup and, following his playing career, later joined the Leeds board as a director.
He also worked as a pundit, and remained a hugely popular figure around the club.
Current Leeds captain Liam Cooper tweeted: “Fly High Peter. A legend that we all aspire to be like. Sending all our love to Peters family”.
Midfielder Stuart Dallas added: “After the high of last night, we learn of such sad news this morning. My thoughts are with Peters family and friends at this difficult time”.
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Bob Wilson, his former title rival at Arsenal and a fellow Scotland international, joined talkSPORT to react to the sad news and recalled how tough it was as a goalkeeper to face Lorimer.
“As a goalkeeper I was terrified if he got anywhere near shooting distance,” he said.
“Alan Woodward at Sheffield United and Peter Lorimer had the two fiercest strikes you could imagine.
“Any time he got the ball from 30 yards inwards, you had to be on your toes.
“It was scary to say the least because you knew if he had the time, the ball would be coming at you at an amazing rate of knots.
“There was a spell during my time at Arsenal when it was Leeds or Arsenal to win the title. He was a great player, and there was huge respect between all of us.
“Leeds were an amazing club at the time and are back to where they belong and this is a desperately sad day for all Leeds fans.”
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