Eddie Colquhoun dead at 78: Tributes paid to one of Sheffield United’s greatest captains after passing
SHEFFIELD UNITED icon Eddie Colquhoun has passed away aged 78.
Tributes have been paid to the former defender who is regarded as one of the Blades' best-ever captains.
Colquhoun joined Sheffield United in 1968 and was immediately made captain.
And his hard tackling, no-nonsense style of defending made him an instant fan favourite at Bramall Lane.
The Scot went on to make 416 appearances for the Blades before leaving for Detroit Express in 1978.
Colquhoun captained Sheffield United to promotion to the First Division in 1971, with fans popularising a song containing his name.
The tune goes: "We ain't got a barrel of money, But we've got Woodward and Currie, And with Eddie Colquhoun, Promotion is soon, United."
The centre-back also won 11 caps for Scotland between 1968-73 and also played for Bury, West Brom and the Washington Diplomats.
Tributes have poured in for Colquhoun who will be fondly remembered as one of Sheffield United's greatest captains.
The club honoured him, writing in a statement: "Eddie was a true gentleman. He loved his career and adored his Blades, and it was no surprise that after his American adventures, he returned to the area and stayed, working in a number of roles until his retirement.
Most read in Football
"He was carved out of Scottish granite both on the outside and on the field of play with the heart of the lion displayed on his country's coat of arms, but his warmth on the inside and generosity to friends and fellow Blades was and is legendary.
"The club will miss him hugely, and his loss leaves another colossal hole in our family and, of course in his own, and our love and thoughts go to Fiona, Heather and all of them at this saddest of times."
One fan wrote: "Very sad news. Only Tony Currie left from the Barrel of Money song."
Another added: "Too young to see him play but is obviously one of the Blades legends. RIP Eddie."
A third said: "To have fans sing your name all these years later is some achievement. Rest in peace Eddie."
Another remarked: "RIP to an icon of my childhood. Legend is overused, but not in this case. Lives on in song, and 'Barrel of Money' will be roared out with more passion than ever on Tuesday."