A FORMER Cambridge United striker has died aged 45 after a battle with MS.
The Us confirmed the sad news that Tom Youngs passed away on Sunday at a hospice in Bury St Edmunds.
Ex-Cambridge forward Tom Youngs has died aged 45[/caption]
The former footballer was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014[/caption]
Youngs was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014 – 11 years after he left the club.
He spent six years in Cambridge’s first team from 1997 to 2003 – scoring 48 goals in 180 appearances – having joined the academy aged ten.
Youngs went on to have spells with Northampton, Leyton Orient, and Bury, playing for the XXX while also studying a sports journalism degree.
He also played for Stafford Rangers, Cambridge City, St Albans City, Norwich United and Mildenhall Town – where he was a player and assistant manager.
Youngs was forced to retire in 2011 aged 32 due to a serious hip injury.
After hanging up his boots, the ex-footballer worked as an accountant for the brewery and pub company Greene King.
In 2013, he noticed problems with his vision while watching a match as Mildenhall assistant.
And the following year came his MS diagnosis.
Youngs is survived by his wife Chelle and two daughters.
Cambridge released a statement on Monday to announce the tragic news.
The League One club wrote: “The news of the death on Sunday of former Cambridge United forward Tom Youngs, at the tragically early age of 45, came as a shock to all connected with the club.
“Tom, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014, will be remembered as a gifted player who, with probing, darting runs, intelligent positioning and poise in front of goal, graced the Abbey Stadium between 1997 and 2003.
“He signed YTS terms in 1996 while staying on at school to study for A levels, but showed such promise that a year later, at the age of 17, he bypassed the rest of his YTS stint and signed a two-year professional contract.
“Rest in peace, Tom.”
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