Arsenal have led tributes for Willie Young, who has died at the age of 73. The Gunners announced the sad news on Friday night with an emotional statement.
An official statement from the club on X, formerly known as Twitter, reads: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Willie Young. Making 236 appearances and winning the FA Cup in 1979, the Scottish defender was a cult hero at Highbury. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Willie."
Young began his career in 1969 at Aberdeen before moving to England in 1975. The defender joined Tottenham Hotspur, where he scored four goals in 59 appearances.
He then moved to Arsenal in 1977, where he scored 18 goals and provided five assists in 236 appearances. Nottingham Forest forked out £175,000 for the Scotsman in 1981, dropping the curtain on his spell in north London.
Young went on to also enjoy stints at Norwich, Brighton, and Darlington before retiring in 1984. He and his wife, Lynda, settled down in the Nottingham area, where they raised a family and ran a pub.
When Young joined the Gunners, he pleaded for forgiveness from the Highbury faithful. As quoted by the club website, he said: "I was sent off against them after scoring my only First Division goal for Spurs this season.
"That’s a double insult to Arsenal. But I hope the fans will forgive me now that I’ve come over, I know the players have."
On joining Arsenal, Young added: "Terry [Neill] has bought me to do a specific job for him, that’s to stay in the middle and stop the goals going in."
Arsenal supporters have been heartbroken by the news, paying their respects to Young on social media. One user, who goes by @Harry_Symeou16, wrote: "RIP [praying hands emoji]. My Dad used to tell me about Willie Young all the time growing up. Sad news."
@stevebone1 said: "Very sad news, condolences to his family. Willie was in the Arsenal team on my first ever visit to Fratton Park, for a Pompey-Arsenal friendly in 1981."
@njac200668 posted: "RIP scored with a diving header in front of the North Bank on my first game at Highbury."
Meanwhile, @Clayt13 wrote: "Sad news indeed, especially remember his games against Joe Jordan, neither holding back, full contact football..."