Willie Young dead aged 73: Tributes pour in as former Arsenal and Tottenham footballer passes away
Former Arsenal and Tottenham football player Willie Young passed away at the age of 73.
Centre-back Young spent two years at Spurs and four years at Arsenal during his career. His career began with Scottish club Aberdeen in 1969 and he moved to north London with Tottenham in 1975.
After making 59 appearances for Spurs, he did what is now considered unthinkable and moved to the city’s red zone to join Arsenal, where he would make 236 appearances.
The Gunners announced the news on social media as follows: ‘We are saddened to learn of the death of former player Willie Young. The Scottish defender, who made 236 appearances and won the FA Cup in 1979, was a cult hero at Highbury.
‘Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. ‘Rest in peace, Willie.’
Young, who was also a Scotland Under-23 international, also spent time at Nottingham Forest, Norwich and Brighton before his retirement in 1984.
Former Arsenal and Tottenham defender Willie Young passed away at the age of 73
Young played for Tottenham for two years before moving to the Gunners, where he played for four years.
He was married to a woman named Lynda and the two had three children.
There was praise, especially from Arsenal fans, on social media. Someone wrote to X: ‘RIP. Growing up, my dad always told me about Willie Young. It’s sad news.”
Another added: ‘A true warrior on the pitch and forever part of Arsenal’s story.’
A third shared: ‘So sad, such a cult hero, RIP Willie.’
The Arsenal statement also said: ‘Willie was a strong character off the pitch as well as off it – and he needed to move across the capital; The Highbury faithful had serious grounds for skepticism: “After scoring my only First League goal for Spurs this season, I was sent off against them. That’s a double insult to Arsenal,” said Willie before making his debut for us against Ipswich Town on March 5, 1977.
‘But I hope the fans will forgive me for coming now, I know the players do that.’
Young said as he was set to leave Arsenal for £175,000: ‘Terry [Neill] He bought me to do a special job for him; That’s staying in the middle and preventing goals from being scored.’
