Tom Youngs, a former Football League striker, has passed away at the age of 45 after battling Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for over a decade.
He died on Sunday evening at a hospice in Bury St Edmunds, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable football achievements and a courageous fight against his illness.
Football Career Highlights
Youngs’ career spanned several clubs, with notable stints at Cambridge United, Northampton Town, Leyton Orient, and Bury.
Throughout his time on the pitch, he made over 250 league appearances.
His journey didn’t stop there; he later played for Stafford Rangers, Cambridge City, Mildenhall Town, and Norwich United, as his career took him through the lower divisions of English football.
He first caught the eye of scouts when he joined Cambridge United in 1996 under YTS terms, all while continuing his A-level studies.
His potential was undeniable, and just a year later, at the age of 17, he was offered a two-year professional contract.
Youngs remained a fan favorite at the Abbey Stadium from 1997 to 2003, known for his intelligent play, quick runs, and calmness in front of goal.
Struggles After Retirement
In 2011, at the age of 32, Youngs was forced to retire prematurely due to a serious hip injury.
It was a difficult decision, but he transitioned into life after football by starting a career as an accountant.
However, in 2014, he received the life-altering diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.
The news was tough to process, especially as he had been adjusting to a new phase of life.
In 2016, Youngs courageously shared his story in his autobiography, What Dreams Are (Not Quite) Made of: No Fame, No Fortune, Just Football… and Multiple Sclerosis.
The book offered readers an honest look at his footballing journey and the challenges he faced living with MS.
It became a source of inspiration and comfort to many, reflecting his strength and resilience.
A Legacy of Strength and Resilience
His former clubs have paid tribute to him, recalling both his footballing talents and the incredible strength he showed in facing MS.
Cambridge United remembered him as a “gifted player,” emphasizing his “probing, darting runs” and “poise in front of goal.”
Northampton Town acknowledged his battle with MS, stating that he confronted the disease with the same “resilience and honesty” that defined his career.
In 2017, Youngs reflected on his MS diagnosis in an interview with the BBC.
He explained how the initial signs were subtle—a difficulty following the ball during a game while he was an assistant manager at Mildenhall in 2013. As his symptoms worsened, he struggled to see clearly at work.
The uncertainty surrounding MS was one of the hardest parts.
“One person can be wheelchair-bound quite quickly, while others may not experience any issues for years. It’s a scary unknown,” he shared.
Despite the challenges, Youngs continued to face each day with determination, drawing on the mindset he had developed throughout his football career.
Final Thoughts
Tom Youngs may have left us far too soon, but his story is one of resilience, courage, and inspiration.
Whether on the field or off, he never gave up, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew him.
His fight against MS was a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and his autobiography will continue to inspire for years to come.
Rest in peace, Tom. You will always be remembered.