Leeds United great Peter Lorimer dies at the age of 74

'Club legend' and all-time record goalscorer passes away after lengthy illness

Peter Lorimer scores for Leeds United against Chelsea in 1965. PA

Leeds United celebrate winning the 1972 FA Cup, from left to right: Mick Bates, Paul Madeley, Eddie Gray, Paul Reaney, Johnny Giles, Jack Charlton, Allan Clarke, Billy Bremner, Peter Lorimer, Norman Hunter and David Harvey. PA

Leeds United's Peter Lorimer in 1962. PA

Peter Lorimer training with Leeds United in 1969. PA

Manchester United goalkeeper Alex Stepney saves at the feet of Leeds United's Peter Lorimer in 1970. PA

Peter Lorimer, left and Bobby Charlton in 1973. PA

Leeds United's Peter Lorimer training in 1968. PA

Left to right: Leeds United's Terry Hibbitt, Gary Sprake, Peter Lorimer and Billy Bremner with the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. PA

Leeds United's Peter Lorimer in 1969. PA

Peter Lorimer presents Afghanistan service medals to soldiers from 3rd Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment during half-time at Leeds United's game against Huddersfield Town in 2009. Getty

Leeds United's record goalscorer Peter Lorimer has died at the age of 74 after a lengthy illness.

The attacking midfielder was the youngest player to represent United at the age of 15 years and 289 days and netted 238 goals in 705 appearances during two spells at the club.

His death was announced in a statement on the club's official website, which read: "It is with great sadness, Leeds United has learned of the passing of club legend Peter Lorimer this morning at the age of 74 following a long-term illness.

"Peter made a huge 705 appearances for the Whites over two spells and is the club's record goal-scorer, having netted 238 times in all competitions."

Lorimer was an integral member of the Leeds side that Don Revie transformed from a second division outfit into one of the most feared teams in Europe during the 1960s and 70s.

Blessed with a shot renowned as one of the most powerful in the game at the time, Lorimer helped the club claim seven trophies, including two league titles and the FA Cup, during his first spell at Elland Road between 1962 and 1979.

The club's statement added: "Peter's contribution to Leeds United will never be forgotten and his passing leaves another huge hole in the Leeds United family.

"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."

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".