Gabby Logan returns to work after enduring ‘a very emotional few days’ following the tragic death of her father Terry Yorath

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Gabby Logan was back at work on Thursday, having taken a week off from her TV and radio duties after the passing of her father, Terry Yorath.

Terry Yorath, a former Leeds United and Wales player, died on January 7th at the age of 75 after a brief illness. This led to his daughter, Gabby Logan, leaving her hosting duties on Match Of The Day to attend to a family matter.

The 52-year-old broadcaster is back on the Global podcast, The Sports Agents, working with Mark Chapman. He filled in for her after she left Match Of The Day last Wednesday.

Oh my gosh, she was back at Global Studios in Leicester Square this morning! I mean, after everything, she told Chapman she’d had such a tough few days – so emotional, she said. It just breaks my heart knowing she went through all that, but seeing her back… it’s everything!

Oh my gosh, you guys, I was there! It was pouring – seriously pouring – in London, but even the rain couldn’t hide how amazing Logan looked! I saw her rushing across that famous bridge, holding an umbrella, and then she went into the studio. I nearly lost it! It was just… perfect. I can’t believe I actually saw her!

Logan told Chapman, while reconnecting on the podcast, that he was doing alright despite a difficult week. He was happy to be getting back to normal after a very emotional few days.

We just finished recording an interview with Robert Smethurst, and his points about football bringing people together really resonated with us. Our family has personally felt that sense of community so strongly these past few days.

We’ve received an incredible amount of heartwarming messages, support, and stories about the positive impact my dad had on people throughout his career. We’re truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness.

Honestly, seeing everything unfold really drove home just how much football means to people. It’s more than just a game; it genuinely brings us all together. Times like these really prove how powerful sports, and football in particular, can be in connecting us all.

Logan announced that Leeds United will honor Barry Yorath, who played for the club for nine years (1967-1976) and scored 11 goals in 199 games, before their Premier League match against Fulham at Elland Road on Saturday.

It’s not only the large displays of support, though, it’s also the smaller, personal stories about fans connecting with and meeting the player, she explained.

It’s been a difficult week, but we’re grateful to everyone who has shared their experiences – hearing from you has been really comforting.

Logan had last week shared a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram to her late father. 

We’re so grateful for all the loving messages and support you’ve sent. Our dad was a strong player – a captain for both his club and country – and a truly kind and generous person. He probably wouldn’t have wanted all this attention, or at least, most of it!

Hearing stories from people we just met today has been incredibly reassuring. It’s clear he had a positive impact on a lot of lives.

Although we were aware he didn’t have much time left, his passing still came as a surprise. Yesterday afternoon, I sat with him at St James’ Hospital in Leeds, and we even had a lighthearted discussion about whether roast potatoes paired better with calves’ liver than mashed potatoes.

He’d been planning to have that meal when he got home tomorrow, Friday, and was excited to watch the Newcastle versus Leeds game. Sadly, he won’t be going home tomorrow after all.

‘But he is reunited with Daniel [Logan’s brother who died aged 15] and that will feel like home.

He deeply regretted the suffering caused by the Bradford Fire, a tragedy that stayed with him always. Losing Daniel especially marked a turning point, profoundly impacting the rest of his life.

Dad, I’m so grateful you taught me the importance of fairness. I’ll always remember the fun we had playing games like rounders and racing after dinner, even if Louise always won! And I especially appreciate you not demanding payment after all those card games when I was little – even though I kept losing!

I’ll always remember when you taught me about money – making me eat a whole pot of mustard for £5 when I was twelve, so I could buy those shoes (even though Mum wasn’t impressed!). Thanks for instilling in me a lifelong love of sports, and for always playfully teasing me with your fantastic sense of humor.

To the incredible nurses and caregivers on J16 at Jimmy’s – your kindness and gentle care meant the world to him, and to me. You are all angels, and I’m so grateful for everything. I love you, Dad.

The news of Yorath’s passing brought many heartfelt messages, but a tribute from former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys sparked criticism and revived his long-running conflict with Logan.

I was very sad to learn about the passing of Terry Yorath. He was a tough and passionate player who was loved by fans at every club he played for. He had a big impact during his time at Coventry City, and I remember him fondly. In fact, because of my connection with Terry, I ended up giving his daughter, Gabby, a job at Sky. I didn’t know Gabby at all when I first met her, but I immediately recognized her father’s name. Rest in peace, Terry. He would be proud of his daughter.

Laura Woods, a presenter for TNT Sports, strongly criticized Richard Keys, using harsh language to express her disapproval. She later followed up by offering her condolences and support to the broadcaster and her family, joining many others in expressing sympathy.

Logan didn’t mention any of the issues caused by Keys’ recent comments during his podcast with Chapman, which came out on Tuesday.

Terry Yorath, born in Cardiff, was a key player for Leeds United during Don Revie’s management, helping them win the First Division title in the 1973-74 season. He later played for Coventry, Tottenham, and Bradford.

Peter Yorath was a successful midfielder who came close to winning major honors, receiving runner-up medals in the FA Cup, European Cup, and Cup Winners Cup. He also represented Wales 59 times. Tragically, he was an assistant coach at Bradford City when the devastating Valley Parade fire occurred in 1985, resulting in 56 fatalities and over 270 injuries.

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2026-01-15 16:58