Former footballer dies aged 45 after 11-year battle with MS - as tributes pour in for star who played more than 250 games
A former Football League striker has died aged 45 after an 11-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
Tom Youngs passed away on Sunday evening at a hospice in Bury St Edmunds.
He played for Cambridge United, Northampton Town, Leyton Orient, and Bury and made more than 250 League appearances, according to the EFL.
Youngs went on to represent Stafford Rangers, Cambridge City, Mildenhall Town and Norwich United as he continued his career down the divisions.
In 2014, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis after retiring and starting work as an accountant.
He published an autobiography called 'What Dreams are (Not Quite) Made of: No Fame, No Fortune, Just Football ... and Multiple Sclerosis' in 2016.
Cambridge United wrote in their obituary: 'Tom 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.'
Northampton Town added: 'Tom was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a life-changing event that he faced with the same resilience and honesty that marked his entire career.
'He later wrote a moving and insightful book reflecting on both his footballing days and his experience with the disease, offering comfort and inspiration to many.'
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