Remembering Willie Young: Celebrating an Icon’s Legacy from 1951 to 2025
The football community mourns the loss of former defender Willie Young, who passed away at the age of 73. Young was a Scottish under-23 international and played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s defense during his tenure with the club.
Willie Young’s Career at Arsenal
Willie Young joined Arsenal on March 5, 1977. He moved from Tottenham Hotspur, a rare transfer between the north London rivals. His arrival was orchestrated by manager Terry Neill, who sought Young’s physicality and defensive skills to strengthen an Arsenal team in decline.
Upon his signing, a humorous incident occurred when the club struggled to find a shirt large enough for the 6’3” defender. This moment foreshadowed Young’s substantial influence on the pitch. After arriving, he expressed his commitment to winning over the Arsenal fans, especially after a controversial moment during his time at Spurs.
Early Challenges and Success
Young’s early matches included a challenging 4-1 loss to Ipswich Town at Highbury and subsequent defeats to West Brom and Queens Park Rangers. However, he scored his first goal during the 2-1 defeat against QPR, slowly earning the support of the fans.
Over his 237 appearances for Arsenal, he scored 19 goals. Young quickly established a strong defensive partnership with David O’Leary, helping the team regain its competitive edge. Under Neill, the club reached three consecutive FA Cup finals—a memorable highlight being the 1979 ‘five-minute final.’ In the demanding 1980 season, Young played an impressive 64 games, showcasing his reliability and commitment.
A Lasting Legacy
Known for his fearless style and aerial dominance, Willie became a beloved figure among Arsenal supporters. His contribution in defense made a lasting impression, as fans affectionately chanted about “the biggest Willie in the land.” Young himself acknowledged his role in the team, emphasizing his commitment to preventing goals.
Post-Arsenal Life
In December 1981, Young transferred to Nottingham Forest for £175,000, providing Arsenal with a significant profit. His career continued as he played for Norwich City, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Darlington before settling in Nottingham. He and his wife, Lynda, built a life together, raising a family and running a pub, where their warmth and love for football endeared them to the community.
- Age at passing: 73
- Joining Arsenal: March 5, 1977
- Number of appearances for Arsenal: 237
- Goals scored for Arsenal: 19
- Notable achievements: 3 consecutive FA Cup finals and 1980 European Cup Winners’ Cup Final
Willie Young is remembered not only for his contributions on the field but also for his character off it. Emegypt extends its deepest condolences to Lynda, the Young family, and all who knew him. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of footballers and fans alike.
