Tom Youngs dead at 45: Former Cambridge star who battled MS dies as heartbroken tributes pour in

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.

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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 Shakers 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."

Fans and ex-team-mates took to social media to express their sorrow at Youngs' passing and send best wishes and condolences to his family and loved ones.

One said: "Very sad to read this. Played with Tom at Bury & he was a nice, very likeable fella. Even when he was at Bury, I remember him speaking very fondly about his time at Cambridge and how much he loved it there."

Another wrote: "That’s so sad. RIP Tom, thoughts with his family."

A third added: "Absolutely devastated, you will always be in our hearts."

A fourth replied: "A bright intelligent young man and a bloody good footballer that wore our shirt with pride… sleep well ‘Tommy Youngs’ once a U…"

And a final user commented: "That’s dreadful news - thoughts with his family and friends at this sad time."

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