Former Cambridge and Northampton forward dies age 45
Tom Youngs had been living with Multiple Sclerosis
Last updated 6th May 2025
Northampton Town Football Club have shared their condolences after the passing of former player Tom Youngs at 45.
Tom was signed by Martin Wilkinson in a last-ditch effort to help save Northampton Town from relegation to Division Three in 2003. Over nearly three seasons, he made 30 appearances for the Cobblers. In their obituary Northampton wrote:
"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.
"We send our condolences to Tom's family and friends."
Cambridge United say they're shocked to learn of the passing of their former player.
He played 180 times for the club after being signed in 1997, later moving on to sports journalism.
John Taylor paid tribute to his player with the words: ‘I don’t think you’ll find a forward in the lower divisions who understands the game as much as Tom Youngs.’
Tom described the triumphs and tribulations of life in football in an acclaimed 2016 memoir: What dreams are (not quite) made of: no fame, no fortune, just football… and multiple sclerosis.
Tom married Chelle in 2004; they had two daughters. He died on 4 May 2025 in St Nicholas Hospice at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds.