Wales head coach Craig Bellamy has described Terry Yorath’s impact on Welsh football as “immeasurable” following the former captain and manager’s death at the age of 75.
Yorath, who played for Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur and Coventry City, served as Wales manager between 1988 and 1993. His side narrowly missed out on qualification for the 1994 World Cup finals in the United States after a 2-1 defeat to Romania in Cardiff.
“As a country, we have so much to thank Terry for what he did,” Bellamy said, according to the Football Association of Wales.
Bellamy reflects on influence
Bellamy, who has been in charge of Wales since July 2024, said Yorath embodied everything it meant to represent the nation.
“The impact Terry Yorath had on Welsh football is immeasurable,” he added, according to the Football Association of Wales.
“Terry epitomised everything it means to represent Wales as a player, and watching the 1994 World Cup qualifying campaign with him as manager was the first time I experienced genuine belief that our country could qualify for a major tournament.
“My thoughts and condolences are with Terry’s family and friends during this difficult time. Everyone in the Welsh football family will miss an incredible person.”
Yorath captained Wales in 42 of his 59 international appearances and later took charge of 41 matches as manager.
Managerial career across clubs
Beyond international football, Yorath had two spells as Swansea City manager and also coached Cardiff City, Bradford City, Sheffield Wednesday, Margate and the Lebanon national team.
He guided Wales to within one win of reaching the 1994 World Cup, but the home defeat to Romania proved to be his final game in charge.
Tributes from former players
Former Wales midfielder Barry Horne, who captained the side in that decisive match and also played under Yorath at Huddersfield Town, paid tribute.
“He represented his country with massive pride and distinction,” Horne said, according to BBC Wales.
“Terry had taken Wales from not being very competitive to the brink of what I think would have been a glorious era for Welsh football.
“We had great players, balance, team spirit and Terry’s got to take a lot of credit for that. He was a leader and had a great relationship with the players.”
‘A father figure’
Former striker Iwan Roberts, who earned his first senior cap under Yorath in 1989, also spoke of his influence.
“He was like a father figure to us all,” Roberts said, according to BBC Wales.
“He was humble and had no ego even though he’d had an incredible career. So down to earth.
“A fantastic captain, fantastic manager and a great player for Wales, but he was also a good person. We have lost a Welsh great.”
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