Canadian soccer commentator Graham Leggat dies at 81

TORONTO (AP) Graham Leggat, a longtime soccer commentator in Canada who played for Scotland in the 1958 World Cup and coached in the NASL in the 1970s, has died. He was 81.

His death was announced Monday by TSN, where Legatt was a network host from 1986 to 2000. Known for his Scottish brogue, Leggat helped expand soccer's profile in Canada, covering five World Cups and two Olympics. He covered World Cup soccer for CBC in 1974.

Leggat came to Canada in 1971 and was the first coach of the Toronto Metros. He was an executive with the NASL's Edmonton Drillers in 1979 and 1980. He was inducted to the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame in 2001.

Leggat spent six seasons in the Scottish league, helping Aberdeen win the league title in 1955. He also played in England for Fulham and Birmingham City, among other clubs. He played 18 games for Scotland, including the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, where Pele burst to prominence.