Former EFL star Tom Youngs dies aged just 45 from MS as tributes paid

Former Cambridge United striker Tom Youngs has died aged 45 after a battle with MS, the club have confirmed. Youngs passed away on Sunday at a hospice in Bury St Edmunds.

The ex-Us star was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014. Youngs is survived by his wife, Chelle, and two daughters.

Having joined the club's academy at the age of 10, Youngs enjoyed six years in Cambridge's first-team from 1997 to 2003. He scored 48 goals in 180 appearances.

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Cambridge issued a statement on Monday to announce the tragic news. "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," it began.

"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."

Cambridge were recently relegated to League Two, having finished 23rd in League One this season.

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