'The Golden Vision' dies aged 80

Monday, 27 February, 2017 180comments  |  Jump to most recent
Everton legend and fans' favourite Alex Young died earlier today, aged 80 in an Edinburgh hospital.

Affectionately and reverentially known to Toffees as the Golden Vision for the way he ghosted effortlessly past players, the Scottish international assumed cult-like status as a member of the club's league championship and FA Cup winning team in the 1960s.

He was signed from Heart of Midlothian in 1960 and spent eight years at Goodison Park, a place he came to love.

In all, he scored 87 goals in 275 appearances for Everton and was arguably the embodiment of the School of Science approach that the club became known for at that time.

“We are all very sad and will miss him terribly,” said Young's son, Alex Junior. “He passed away peacefully with my mum by his side at a small hospital close to Edinburgh.

“He has been ill for a few weeks but he battled on bravely. It's still very raw but I wanted people on Merseyside to know.”

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Reader Comments (180)

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George McKane
1 Posted 27/02/2017 at 14:38:10
Just heard ― The Great Golden Vision Alex Young has just died...

Absolute Legend ― very sad news for All Blues.

Brent Stephens
2 Posted 27/02/2017 at 14:42:40
Alex Young was probably my all-time favourite. A graceful player. RIP.
Jay Wood
3 Posted 27/02/2017 at 14:42:41
George, that is gut-wrenching news.

My day has just been torpedoed.

George McKane
4 Posted 27/02/2017 at 14:47:36
Terrible news... I knew he was ill, but still sad. I actually kissed his boot once. I am mentioned in David France's book, Alex Young ― The Golden Vision. What a True Great.
Andrew Clare
5 Posted 27/02/2017 at 14:50:23
RIP Alex.
One of a kind. The greatest Everton player that I had the privilege of seeing. The epitome of the Everton of the sixties – pure class.
Dave Abrahams
6 Posted 27/02/2017 at 14:53:31
Very very sad, RIP Alex Young.

I think this thread and will reach three figures before the night is out.

Tom Bowers
7 Posted 27/02/2017 at 14:53:40
RIP, Alex. What a true gentleman and a truly great player. His partnership with Roy Vernon was memorable. Between them they weighed about a stone but they were the scourge of defences in the early sixties.
Larry Boner
8 Posted 27/02/2017 at 14:55:29
I haven't written on the site for a number of years, but I will break my silence for a truly heart-breaking piece of news regarding the Golden Vision, my favourite player since I attended my first game in 1959.

I am 66 years old, but with tears in my eyes, I can still see him now skipping past defenders, scoring that wonderful headed goal against Spurs in a real 4-pointer for the title in 1962-63.

Hopefully a massive remembrance day at Goodison for one of the truly great players in Everton's history.

We will never see his like again, the Golden Vision TV programme will be most viewed across the Everton world tonight.

Re-united with Bally.

RIP, Alex.

Matthew Williams
9 Posted 27/02/2017 at 14:58:21
The Golden Vision has passed... another Legend gone.

RIP Alex.

A win on Sunday please, boys!!!

Jim Lloyd
10 Posted 27/02/2017 at 14:58:24
I've been lucky enough to see a lot of great players play for Everton. But to me, one man stands out above them all. He was not only a great player, he was a lovely, unassuming and genuinely humble man.

And of all the great players I've seen, Alex Young was the only man that I saw, "Grace" the hallowed turf of Goodison. Thank you, Alex, for the sublime artistry you brought to football and especially to Everton Football Club.

Thank you, Alex Young.

All my sympathy to your family.

Tony Sullivan
11 Posted 27/02/2017 at 15:01:17
RIP Alex Young, 'The Golden Vision' one of our truly great players.

I have many wonderful memories of his sublime skills.

A sad loss for all Evertonians.

Martin Nicholls
12 Posted 27/02/2017 at 15:05:15
Very sad news about The Golden Vision ― a brilliant player who it is a privilege to have seen at his peak.
John Codling
13 Posted 27/02/2017 at 15:10:20
This man brought so much joy and excitement into my Everton youth, He glided across the pitch it was as if he was floating. His dribbling skills were second to none, but his ability in the air was something to behold. I can still see his goal against Spurs in the famous alleged dart-throwing game against Bill Brown which gave us a 1-0 result against our main rivals that season.

An 80-year-old ex footballer who lives in Edinburgh with part of Goodison Park named after him is a testament to the love and esteem we held him in.

Jim Lloyd
14 Posted 27/02/2017 at 15:12:36
Thank you Alex for thinking of his fans at this so sad time, your father was an exceptional footballer and a fine man.

You will not be alone. Many people who saw your Dad play will be thinking of the great man and will be sending their thoughts and condolences to you and your family.

Jay Harris
15 Posted 27/02/2017 at 15:21:07
I was privileged to see Alex senior "The Golden Vision" at his best and there wasnt a finer footballer around.

The saddest news I have heard for a while.

Condolences to all the family and may he rest in peace.

Patrick Murphy
16 Posted 27/02/2017 at 15:21:23
Extremely sad news, my brother who is not a football fan, met Alex at Goodison many many years ago, and he still treasures the autographed programme that the great man signed for him.

RIP Alex, and condolences to all your family and friends.

For those who haven't seen it here is a link to the Ken Loach film about the 'Golden Vision'


The Golden Vision

Geoff Williams
17 Posted 27/02/2017 at 15:22:31
So sad to hear the news. He was a favourite of mine in the sixties. He was a wonderful footballer.

RIP The Golden Vision

John Scott
18 Posted 27/02/2017 at 15:23:49
It was good to see him at Tynecastle last pre season. One of Hearts best ever players and one of ours as well.
Dave Brierley
19 Posted 27/02/2017 at 15:24:46
It doesn't seem that long ago I'd watch him walk off the pitch at the end of a game with barely a mark on his shorts or shirt. Truly a 'golden vision' he somehow seemed above it all and undoubtedly one of the greatest players ever to grace Goodison Park.

Terribly sad news.

Billy Birmingham
20 Posted 27/02/2017 at 15:25:16
Terrible news about the passing of Alex Young. From a different age but he was pure class on and off the park, and my arl fella's favourite player. All thoughts and prayers are with his family. RIP Alex, and join the Evertonian Legends in Heaven.
Len Hawkins
21 Posted 27/02/2017 at 15:27:02
Really Terrible news about Alex Young a true Legend. I met him in Southport with Alec Parker when he played for Southport in the late '60s. He was a true gent and chatted for a few minutes and shook hands. I only started watching Everton in 65 so didn't see too much of Youngy but what I did see left me with no doubt how great he was.

RIP ― What a team there is in the hereafter: Young, Ball, Kendall, Dean, Labone, West to name a few.

Patrick Murphy
22 Posted 27/02/2017 at 15:30:43
Below is an article about Alex, originally written in issue No. 13 of the Football Pink by Mark Godfrey.

The People's Player

https://footballpink.net/2017/02/27/alex-young-the-peoples-player/

Paul Birmingham
23 Posted 27/02/2017 at 15:40:52
RIP, "Golden Vision". You were a true Everton Legend, and will never be forgotten.
Max Murphy
24 Posted 27/02/2017 at 15:41:28
I remember as a kid going to see Everton, but I was really going to see Alex Young. He appeared to glide across the turf using his silky skills to weave past opponents.

He was great in the air. A replay against Burnely in the cup in a mid-week game, and he scored 2 outstanding goals with his head ― he was head and shoulders above them all, both figuratively & metaphorically.

Thank you, Mr Young, for giving us such great football, and honouring our club with your incredible skills. May you Rest In Peace.

Micky Norman
25 Posted 27/02/2017 at 15:44:41
RIP, Alex Young. He is the reason I'm an Evertonian.
Steavey Buckley
26 Posted 27/02/2017 at 15:46:48
My coledences to the family, friends and all Evertonians of the great late Alex Young, who made football look too easy. He will never be forgotten as a great Everton centre-foreward, who will always be the 'Golden Vision' and the inspiration of football science, he was that good.
Tony Hill
27 Posted 27/02/2017 at 15:48:12
The very essence of our club and the style we all crave. RIP.
Ian Burns
28 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:07:22
I haven't posted on TW for a while but I would never forgive myself if I didn't pay tribute to my all time favourite player. I once wrote an article on him for a Sports Magazine and he was as true a gentleman off the field as he was a genius on it.

Max Murphy 22 - I was also at that game - he was sublime that night and the two goals he scored were against his cousin in the Burnley goal - Harry Thimpson I think was his name.

RIP Mr Alex Young - a light has just gone out

David Donnellan
29 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:07:42
RIP, A true Everton legend.

Sadly I am too young to have seen him play, but he was my old man's favourite player & he would tell me growing up how good he was. A sad day.
Glyn Withenshaw
30 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:10:24
Alex Young- my all-time favourite player.

One of the best headers of a football I have ever seen. Jumped early and seemed to just hang in the air before dispatching the ball unerringly into the net. In the days of muddy pitches, he would invariably come off the pitch at half-time without a mark on his kit, such was his balance and skill.

Never to be forgotten, such a sad day. Named my youngest son Alex after the great man.

Stephen Ashton
31 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:12:43
He was and should continue to be the very ethos of our club. Quiet, modest, understated yet absolutely brilliant. As somebody has already said he is the reason I'm a blue, there was a time in the early 60s when he was unplayable.

I took my son to the London launch of the Alex the Great movie. This should be rushed into production now to celebrate this extraordinary man's life.

RIP Alex – sincere condolences to your family.

John Hughes
32 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:17:51
My all-time favourite Everton player the great Alex Young "The Golden Vision". RIP.
John Raftery
33 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:20:50
A fantastic player and a fantastic man. I was lucky to see Alex score his only hat trick for us versus Sheffield Wednesday in August 1965. One national newspaper reporter noted after his first goal that night he did not expect to see a better goal in the season ahead ....until he saw the second and third.

I was very fortunate to meet Alex several times over the years but the highlight was him stopping and giving me and a mate a lift to Goodison for a midweek match versus Chelsea in April 1967. Can you imagine that happening now?!

He was having a 'wee rest' that night and in his place Joe Royle made his home debut scoring two goals. Our Golden God was great in the air, could shoot with both feet and dribbled past players as though the ball was tied to his boots. We simply adored him.

Andrew Clare
34 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:20:51
An all time great. The absolute epitome of Everton in the sixties. Stylish, classy and unforgettable. RIP.
Alan McGuffog
35 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:21:18
Well that's the name of one stand at BM sorted when it's built.
Ian and Max yeah scored against his cousin in goal for Burnley. Alex perfected the art of the near post header in particular .he used his speed and guile to get into those positions.
We were priveliged to have watched him play.
Rest easy, GV.
Paul Ferry
36 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:22:24
Devastating. Deepest sympathies to all of the Vision's family and friends. Alex's daughter can still bring tears/goosebumps to me in the first minute of Ken Loach's film that Patrick gave the link to. I just love it and I really feel for her today – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEm0jVADDKU.

RIP Alex.

Robert Elliott
38 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:25:20
Not old enough to have seen Alex Young play, but recall learning all about him from the Official History of Everton video from the late '80s.

Saw the Golden Vision on YouTube for the first time a few weeks ago and I'm sure I'll probably watch it again tonight. RIP Alex Young, a true Everton legend

Jon Bentley
39 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:25:47
I was born in 1970, too late to see the legend. But sat here, in work, having just read the news, Ive just let out an audible sigh, gutted that another Everton great has left us.

Whilst very sad, it must have been lovely for him, and his family, to know how much he was loved down here!!

I can't bring myself to tell my Dad the news, for I know how heart broken he will be.

RIP The Golden Vision

Brian Harrison
40 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:25:54
I like many adored Alex, he was a sublime footballer he didnt run he glided around a pitch. He could hang in the air for longer than anybody I can ever remember. There arent too many players who have had a film made about them, he encapsulated everything that was good in the game, he was more than just a footballer he was an artist.

We have had many great players play for our club but he will rank amongst the very best we have had. I am old enough to have had memorable nights and seen some fantastic individual displays, but none finer than when Alex was on fire. The word legend is bandied about too often but this man was a legend in every sense of the word.

Rob Halligan
41 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:30:18
Very sad news. I vaguely remember seeing him play around season 67-68. I would only have been 8 years old so clearly can't remember too much about the games I saw him in.

Condolences to his family.

RIP "THE GOLDEN VISION".

Tony Sullivan
42 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:32:29
Alex Young, 'The Golden Vision' – not just my all time favourite Everton player, but more all time favourite player EVER. RIP great man.

I wrote my first ever letter to the press (The Echo) when Harry Catterick bought Fred Pickering who took his place in the team. I was outraged and, if I remember correctly, the Echo received a deluge of protests.

Mike Berry
43 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:41:30
I never had the pleasure to see him play as it was before my time. But the film clips of his talents will never die, and nor will the adoration by those who witnessed his greatness, I envy you with respect.

Condolences to his family and connections.

Ella Thornton
44 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:41:31
I was so lucky to see him whilst he was at his peak. I idolised him and nobody has ever surpassed him in my eyes.
Chris Williams
45 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:42:53
Quite unbelievably sad at this news and moved to tears which has surprised me.

Him, Royston, and his great mate Bally, all together for eternity now.

RIP, Alex, and condolences to the family. Thanks for the memories.

Chris Williams
46 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:45:11
Was the Alex the Great DVD ever released? Not found it anywhere...
Lenny Jameson
47 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:49:48
Max (#24), for one of those headers, he was so far beyond the front post it was ridiculous. Magical. I've still got my scrapbook with pictures of those goals and loads more. I'll no doubt be shedding a little tear tonight looking through them.

I also had the great pleasure of meeting him and discussing my favourite ever goal. His header against Spurs in the Gwladys Street end. He'll live forever in our memories. I absolutely idolised him. I always will.
Tim Rydings
48 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:50:59
Thank you Alex for some of my greatest moments at Goodison. A true great in every sense of the word.

RIP 'The Golden Vision", never to be forgotten.
Richard Reeves
49 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:51:52
I would love to've seen him play but before my time, unfortunately. I've watched that documentary about him a few times in the past and have heard and seen enough to know he was a great player, intelligent and graceful with a fantastic range of passing, to name but a few of his qualities.

RIP, Alex Young, one of the all-time greats. A legend.

Brian Harrison
50 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:51:56
The Liverpool Echo on line is showing Alex scoring against Man Utd, just a clip of his talent. Ray Wilson, Alan Ball and Alex all involved in the move. Completely outshone Man Utd who had Best, Law and Charlton in their side.
Kevin Holland
51 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:53:17
Very, very sad news. Will never be forgotten, he is part of the very fabric of our great club. I never saw him play, but he was my father's hero, along with Alan Ball. I named my son after him.

A very sad day for all Evertonians. Condolences to Alex's family – RIP, The Golden Vision.

Paul Thompson
52 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:53:30
I think I had my first season ticket (with my Dad) in 62-63 when we won the league. Watching Alex in tandem with Roy Vernon (I think Roy got 24 goals, Alex 22) was pure pleasure.

Like John#18, I was at the pre-season game at Hearts not too long ago and the affection for him amongst both sets of fans was something to see (and hear).

Jim Hourigan
53 Posted 27/02/2017 at 16:55:09
A true great – RIP.
Tony Abrahams
54 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:01:21
His family wanted to let The Evertonians, know that the beloved man, had gone, which shows you how much the fans of our great club, must have meant to Alex.

Another Everton legend, has gone, but I don't think he will ever be forgotten, especially off all the people who were lucky enough to see him play in the "Royal Blue Jersey" RIP, Alex Young.

Doug Harris
55 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:02:35
Just this minute got the very sad news from a mate. Gutted, heartbroken and in tears. What a truly magnificent player.

RIP, Alex Young...

Tom Bowers
56 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:02:47
He graced the top tier when real football was played. None of this excessive passing craziness and parking-the-bus mania which is plaguing the modern day game.

Not many left from that great Catterick squad of the early sixties: Temple, Gabriel, Morrissey maybe.

Mark Morrissey
57 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:04:06
I keep seeing a thread on the right-hand side of Sky News in our Royal blue. It says from 7 am tomorrow? Does that advert relate to this sad news?

There are 3 images: Koeman, Lukaku and Davies so I'm presuming not. Anyone know?

It's probably something blatantly obvious. I was born in the '60s but never got to see Alex Young play. My Dad talks with great respect for the man. RIP, The Golden Vision

Tony Draper
58 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:12:17
"The Golden Vision".

For those Young enough never to have witnessed

Link

Please, watch.
The opening is so enchanting.
Utter truth.

Our family's thoughts are with yours today. They always will be.

Ray Roche
59 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:13:07
Like many on this thread, Alex Young, was my all time favourite player, just edging Bally out.

Peerless, both as a man and a player, I met him at a book signing upstairs at the church at Goodison. He was standing on his own so I approached him and, like a star struck schoolboy, mumbled something about him being the best player I ever saw. So modest, he just thanked me and shook my hand.

Just choked hearing of his death. RIP, Alex.

Antony Matthews
60 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:14:15
RIP Alex. Your family and daughter will be extremely proud that you became part of OUR family and will always be treasured. Give Brian and Bally and Howard a Hug when you see them.
Tom Fazal
61 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:15:49
My condolences to his wife and family, may they find comfort in the thoughts being expressed on this thread. He touched the lives of so many people and all who saw him play know they watched someone very special. We haven't and likely won't see his like again.

RIP, Alex and thanks for the wonderful memories.

Christine Foster
62 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:16:12
Very sad news.

The Golden Vision, as a child I was perched on my uncles shoulders watching a slender man with blond hair, skip tackles and drive opposition mad, determined to take chunks out of him, they couldn't touch him, no one ever will now.

My fondest memory was at Goodison park playing Inter Milan, strangely we played all in white... they tore the shirt off Alex but still couldn't contain him, he skipped around some horrendous tackles and left a trail of angry and bemused Italians in his wake.

Even as a child, I knew he was special, Alex Young, Golden Vision... Inspiration of a generation. RIP, wee man..

Ray Atherton
63 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:17:13
I will never ever forget talking to the great Alex Young coming back from an Ipswich game in 1962. In those days, no excursion to Portman Road, trains went to London then a journey to Ipswich.

On the return, walking through Euston to get the train home, I walked with Alex (as the players did the same Journey).

Being only sixteen then, I was in awe of my idol, he talked to me as he already knew me. When I told my mates, what an experience, I'll never forget.

RIP, The Pride of Goodison.

Thinking of all the family in Scotland.

Stan Schofield
64 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:17:15
My dad first took me to the match in 1961 when I was 7. I wasn't that bothered about football, but Alex Young made an impression on me, and then that was it, I was an Evertonian. When we played footie in the park, all us Evertonians wanted to be him.

Rest in peace, Alex Young, Everton legend and inspirer of youngsters.

Dave Abrahams
65 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:17:16
Alex had a God-given talent; for such a great player, he was a very humble man and according to Brian Granville of the then News Of The World: 'an intelligent and good conversationalist, not your ordinary run-of-the-mill footballer'.

Goodnight, God bless, Alex, thanks for the memories, there are many.

Ken Buckley
67 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:23:14
RIP, Alex Young.

One of the very few players that Blues of all ages can brag about anywhere in the football world and not get an argument. Never to be forgotten.

Christine Foster
68 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:27:52
Another memory... As a child, I went to the Holy Ghost Annexe, next to the Bootle Golf Course, a venue the Everton team frequented regularly after training at Bellfield. I must have been 7 maybe 8 when I walked across the fairway from the cinder path that went through the golf course because I recognised the small Scot from the week before when I watched him against Inter.

Annoyed golfers were not happy to see an urchin running across to the tee, with Roy Vernon, Alex Parker and Alex Young all waiting to tee off, Roy Vernon with a cigarette as always, and I asked My Young, nicely, if I could have his autograph, much laughter ensued, "Of course," he said!

Except I had no paper and only a pencil... all I had in my school bag was the programme from the Inter game, he got every one of the players there to sign it and then walked me back to the cinder path. It's the smallest things that mean the most... RIP, Alex.

Gerry Quinn
69 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:31:06
One of the most talented players that I had the great fortune to watch as a child growing up – and in an Everton shirt too. How different was he from those playing today? Such a great and humble individual with his feet firmly on the ground except when ghosting past the opposition.

One Goodison memory I vividly have is of him running to the front of the 6-yard box on a corner, leaping ahead of everyone and guiding the ball beautifully into the opposite top corner – and he did it not just once in that game, but twice – and against his cousin in goal for Burnley, Adam Blacklaw, I think his name was.

Rest in peace, Golden Vision, enjoy the company of those other great players up there – what a heavenly Everton team that would be...

Will Mabon
70 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:32:31
I'm old enough to have been there as a toddler when he played but too young to remember anything/anyone specific. I can barely ever think of my late father without being minded of Young, and vice versa, such was his admiration. It happens every time I visit Goodison.

Young, Ball and Labone were Dad's favourite players from that particular era, with an occasional mention for Ray Wilson. The more you look back, the more you appreciate the great players and history of this club. It's nice that they're properly remembered when they pass, and good that there are those here posting with their memories of him.

Gordon Crawford
71 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:33:17
Really sad to hear this. May his family feel God's peace this night and forever more.
Colin Glassar
72 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:34:58
Bloody hell, I was only thinking of him yesterday. RIP Golden Vision. May you float your way to heaven.
Darren Hind
73 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:45:21
Very sad.

As arl Sonny Moore (who passed away himself recently) used to say. "We're assembling some side up there."

Condolences to his family.

Peter Lloyd
74 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:49:57
An Everton legend, same as Alan Ball. There will never ever be another TV programme centred around an Everton footballer.

He was so skilful... dribbling which you hardly see these days, was his forte. The defenders, and they were ruthless in the '60s, tried to kick him off the park; they couldn't get near him, and the only Everton player of his size who could head a ball so expertly is a certain Tim Cahill. It was a joy to watch. Thank you, Alex Young, an Everton Giant.

Rob Williamson
75 Posted 27/02/2017 at 17:52:13
A sad day, but one that allows us all to remember their best Golden Vision moments. Too many memories to recall but those already mentioned above – Tottenham, Sheffield Wednesday hat-trick and the goal against Man Utd – will stay with me forever. We'll never see his like again. RIP, Alex.
David Price
76 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:01:00
Mark (#57),

Sky are at Finch Farm all day. Access all areas stuff.

My grandads favourite after Dixie. Thanks Patrick for the link to golden vision.

Great seeing again the spirit of being an Evertonian and a player. Alex cherished being both. Legend..

Tony Rio
77 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:04:58
Me, my son and my old mate Daren front Everton FC, we're lucky enough to spend a whole afternoon chatting to him in his suite in the adelphi about 15 yrs ago. He was down for a dinner and that afternoon I shot down thinking it was going to be a quick hello and photo.

He wanted nothing more to chat to me and my son all afternoon. He made a fuss of my lad. He said to him very softly (my lad was about 5), "Do you play football son?". My lad nodded. He said, "Ask your daddy to buy you a tennis ball to play with, do you know why?" My lad, absolutely hanging on his every word shook his head. "Because" he said using his hands to the shape of a ball, "if you can control a little ball, you can control a great big ball!"

Needless to say, I had to get him a tennis ball. My lad explained the story to his grandad and said "Grandad, Alex told me to play with a tennis ball and then I will be better than my dad with a big ball!"

"Do you know my friend, Alex, grandad?"

My dad filled up. Alex the Great, the Golden Vision and my son's mate, rest in peace.

Terence Beresford
78 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:08:26
Seen the news break on Sky. Terrible news.

Condolences to all the family and his army of fans.

RIP, The Golden Vision.

Mark Morrissey
79 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:16:21
Cheers David & thanks to Patrick for the link to All Blue Daze, a great little film that I can never tire of watching, pure class.

"What does your Daddy do?"
"Plays football."
"Who for?"
"Everton."
"What's his name?"

Such a gem of a short film from a genius film maker. Thank God he made it.

Tony Waring
80 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:17:24
An all-time great and like a certain boxer he "could float like a butterfly and sting like a bee". It was a privilege to watch him through the sixties and that headed goal against Spurs!!!!!!

Let's hope it inspires the present team next Sunday.

Barry Pearce
81 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:17:56
RIP, Golden Vision.
Ed Bottomley
82 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:18:30
Such sad news. Never saw him play, but I've always been fascinated by him – Dr David France and others have helped explain just what a player he was for our club. He'll me sorely missed, never forgotten.
Eugene Ruane
83 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:20:22
A wonderful player, a modest man, an Everton Legend.

RIP.

Thomas Rigby
84 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:25:29
Truly unforgettable. After a few months at Everton, the Liverpool Echo was asking "Is Alex Young the best since Dixie?"

He was not the best Everton player I have seen but the most beautiful and stylish of them all.

I am so sad tonight but immensely grateful that I was privileged to see him play.

I hope that his family find some consolation in the wonderful tributes being paid to him by Blues fans.

Liam Reilly
85 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:32:59
Very sad,

Condolences to his family.

John Raftery
86 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:39:56
Hi Gerry (#69),

You are right – it was Alex's cousin in goal that night for Burnley. His name was Harry Thomson. According to Wikipedia he passed away in March 2013.

Mike Dolan
87 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:40:22
What a fabulous player Alex Young was. Everything he did he did with a sort of mesmeric grace and beauty. He was the very epitome of the mythical Everton School of Science player.

To the fans he was the Evertonian god/man talisman, a genii that we could draw on every Saturday to perform his little masterpieces for us. A player that we got and no-one else seemed to understand.

My deepest condolences to Alex's family and Evertonians everywhere.

Alan Bodell
88 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:40:37
He was very special indeed, there is a superb retro documentary drama about him and us in that era on YouTube, it's called 'The Golden Vision' and, oh, wow – he was that.
Ian Pilkington
89 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:41:06
I was lucky enough to see Alex for most of his career with us, attending my first match in 1961. He was simply one of the best ever players I've seen in an Everton shirt, his special skill with the ball unsurpassed.

I can still vividly remember the buzz of anticipation when he had the ball and indeed the sense of disappointment when he couldn't play due to injury (he suffered badly with blistered feet). However he played in every game in the 1963 Championship winning team, crucially scoring 22 goals.

He would have most certainly scored near the end of the 1966 Cup Final but he unselfishly passed the ball to Mike Trebilcock who unfortunately fluffed the chance of a hat-trick.

I will never forget the thrill of him signing my programme in Goodison Road before a European Fairs Cup match v Kiimarnock in 1964.

Alex will always be remembered as an all time Everton great.

Ed Fitzgerald
90 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:41:12
RIP, Golden Vision – a footballing genius and gentleman too.
Steve Ferns
91 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:42:53
I never saw him play, but my dad says he was Everton's best player in Everton's best team.

RIP, the Golden Vision. Let's get his family down for the West Brom game a week on Saturday, and give him a proper rememberance / celebration of his life.

That said, for all the criticism of Bill Kenwright, I have no doubt that he's not getting something special together as he was one of his favourite players and we did Ball proud.

Charles Mills
92 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:45:00
I rarely post on ToffeeWeb but have to make an exception this time.

I have seen most of the greats post-war live (Eusebio, Pele, Mathews, Finney etc. and all the more modern ones) but he was the greatest although never acknowledged in the wider game.

Also, what a lovely, lovely man. I had the privilege of escorting him and the great Colin Harvey from the Adelphi to Waterstones for a signing when my nephew, James Corbett, launched 'Everton. The School of Science'. I knew I was in the presence of Greatness if not Sainthood.

Tony Waring@80, greetings from Crosby and you are absolutely right. What a goal against Spurs in 1963!!!!!!

Barry Johnson
93 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:45:17
RIP, Alex – very proud and honoured to have seen you grace our stadium.

My Thoughts to all his family and God Bless you, Mr Young.

Tony Burke
94 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:50:07
Those of us who were lucky enough to see that header against our biggest rivals for the title, Spurs, in 1963, will never forget the moment which summed up the glory of Alex Young. He seemed to hover in the air against two taller defenders, then, bang, 1-0 and at the Gwladys Street end.

He had it all: power, grace, skill in every department, toughness and was obviously a great bloke. Very, very sad news. A true legend.
Michael Spear
95 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:50:07
What a sad day for all Evertonians, particularly those of us of an age that gave us the privilege of seeing Alex in his prime. He scored in my first ever game in 1961 and didn't seem to stop scoring for years after. And what goals they were, as so many are remembering on here.

The way he could hang in the air to score at the near post or nod down to Roy Vernon running clear are memories that will stay with me for ever, not forgetting the way he seemed to float along the ground with the ball tied to his feet.

If anyone hasn't seen it by now, seek out The Golden Vision and watch why we are Evertonians and Alex was our god.

Sad, sad day. RIP, Alex Young, and condolences to his family.

Tony Heron
96 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:52:35
Simply my all-time Everton favourite, the Golden Vision. Never was a nickname more apt. Thank you, Alex, for the greatest memories of my youth. So sad tonight.
Paul Hughes
97 Posted 27/02/2017 at 18:59:02
I'm too young (and it's not often I say that) to have seen him live. Just a few snatches of grainy black and white footage. But from all that I have heard and read he was a footballing genius and a gentleman as well.

May he rest in peace.

Ray Robinson
98 Posted 27/02/2017 at 19:00:52
I have been supporting the Blues since 1961 and he was one of my earliest heroes. RIP, the Golden Vision – never has a description been more apt.

Farewell, "Tenderfoot".

Derek Wadeson
99 Posted 27/02/2017 at 19:03:57
To everybody mentioning the Burnley FA Cup tie, when Alex's cousin was in nets for Burnley.

Do you remember the Street end serenading Harry Thomson with the song "Ee I addio Your God's Chosen Cousin".

So apt, so true. Goodbye the Golden Vision.

Albert Perkins
100 Posted 27/02/2017 at 19:03:59
A few tears today. Deserved on Oscar.
Paul Burns
101 Posted 27/02/2017 at 19:09:53
What a pair of forwards, Alex Young and Roy Vernon, two geniuses who terrorised any team put in front of them.

The picture of Alex rising above everyone to score that vital goal against Spurs in 1963 to push us on the title with a packed enclosure behind is an all time classic.

Anyone got it to put on here as a tribute? I want it as a screensaver.

Lenny Jameson
102 Posted 27/02/2017 at 19:14:39
Paul (#101),

I've had it as my screen saver for years!!! Go on Google and type in "Alex Young's header v Spurs". It comes up on images straight away.

Gerard McKean
103 Posted 27/02/2017 at 19:19:46
It's somehow apposite that Alex passes with the next game being against Spurs. Like many here, I recall the great goal against Spurs that went a long way to clinching the League Title in 1963. I cut the photo out of the paper – Alex seeming to hang about 10 feet in the air and swivelling to head in the winner – and had it on my bedroom wall for many a year.

There is another hugely important connection to the Spurs team of the 60s; their great captain, Danny Blanchflower, it was who actually first coined the description that came to define Alex; "The Golden Vision". Blanchflower, an intelligent man himself, wrote: "...the view every Saturday that we have of a more perfect world, a world that has got a pattern and is finite. And that's Alex – The Golden Vision." Another legend of that Spurs team, Jimmy Greaves, described Alex as "Nureyev on grass".

I loved the Everton of the 1960s. I loved the way football was – and the way that opponents could be generous in recognising greatness. Alex Young deserves the accolade of being a great and it was uplifting to hear it coming from his peers as well as his adoring fans.

Eric Yarker
104 Posted 27/02/2017 at 19:36:08
https://youtu.be/eLUtwZD2pDA

Just watched the Alex the Great trailer, shivers down my spine and wiping away the tears. RIP.

Frank Fearns
105 Posted 27/02/2017 at 19:36:14
The greatest blues player I had the pleasure of watching. The goal against spurs locked in my memory. It would be an amazing tribute if that is replicated on Sunday. RIP Alex.
Mike Berry
106 Posted 27/02/2017 at 19:36:33
Met him once – shook his hand. He was pleasant humble, grounded, If there is a heaven he will make a great front three with Dave Hickson and Bill Dean.
Trevor Powell
107 Posted 27/02/2017 at 19:44:40
As Evertonians of a certain age, we always knew that this day would come but one of the all time greats does not make it any easier.

My favourite GV Goal was shimmy and perfect shot on the edge of the area against Man Utd on the opening game of 1967, when they were reigning champions. That day, he stood head and shoulders above greats like Charlton, Best et al.

To his son and family remember that they are still part of our great Blue Family and Community! RIP, The Golden Vision. Great footballer and great man!

Peter Cummings
108 Posted 27/02/2017 at 19:45:18
Absolutely gutted at this news, I am writing this with tears on my cheeks. Yet another of our own has left us , the word 'Legend' isn't nearly enough to describe Alex Young who epitomised the days of 'The School of Science' by his grace, talent, skill and modesty, both as a player and a man.

John Lennon once declared that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus Christ, a quote that could easily be applied by all Evertonians who, like myself, regarded Alex Young as a living god, as ridiculous as it may sound, such is the magic of 'the beautiful game'.

My own treasured and abiding memory of Alex was when, as a young employee of the North Western Gas Board, in Ormskirk I was called to a home in Maghull to repair a gas stove, you can imagine my utter amazement when the front door was opened by 'The Golden Vision' himself, to say I was gobsmacked was putting it mildly and when I finished the repair Alex insisted I sit down and have a cuppa and slice of cake with him and his missus meaning a ten-minute job took 45 minutes, I had the work order he signed for years but somehow mislaid it.

It goes without saying but I hope his memory will never fade and wish his family my deepest condolences as will all football fans who had the pleasure to see him play, God Bless.


Steve Woods
109 Posted 27/02/2017 at 20:05:06
RIP, Alex – you were my first Everton hero. Thank you for making all those great old times when we were the best. You've got a heck of a lot of great team mates to play with up there now.
James Flynn
110 Posted 27/02/2017 at 20:08:53
Over these few years I've been an Evertonian, the games themselves aside, I most enjoy the comments and remembrances of teams and players past. Because I'll forget a name, I'll call that Tony Onslow et al.

As a New York Yankee fan, the player I most wish I could've seen was Babe Ruth. No question. I'd say the wish of most Yankee fans if they had the chance to see a player from the past. Leaving him aside, I'd pick the "Yankee Clipper" Joe DiMaggio; a brilliant player, God bless him. But any part of the Yankee history starts with the Babe.

Set aside Dixie Dean, for the same reason as Ruth, it's Alex Young. Ball is held in such esteem in here, he must have been something to see. But there's always been in ToffeeWeb, I'm not sure what to call it, a reverence when Young's name came up.

So, RIP Alex. Many a man stamps his name in history; a name remembered. Few of them do so with such an outpouring of earned, while never-sought, love and affection.

Went to the link Patrick Murphy provided. Led me to the link below. Just Young at Goodison sitting and talking about his playing career. Got to say, he even looks like the player he was. Cool and calm, whatever the question.

What stood out to me was that he considered 1961-63 his best years because he lost hearing in his right ear after that!

Link

And congratulations to those of you saw him play.

Peter Mills
113 Posted 27/02/2017 at 20:09:18
Two memories of the great man linger with me.

His virtuoso performance in the final game of the 1966-67 season, a 4-1 defeat of Sunderland.

Secondly, my dad coming home from work a few days before the 1968 FA Cup Final with a brand new amber and blue tie to wear for the match. He worked in the old fruit, veg and flower market in Queen Square and he told me that Alan Ball and Alex Young had wandered down to the market that morning, as footballers were wont to do in those days. Having asked them about the precise shade of amber in the shirts to be worn, the two Gods took him to George Henry Lee's, found an appropriate tie, paid for it and presented it to him.

Sincere condolences to all Mr Young's family, I hope the love and respect being expressed on this thread will be of comfort to you.

Sean Smythe
114 Posted 27/02/2017 at 20:09:50
Alex, thank you for your massive contribution to the rich tapestry of Everton.
Dennis Crowney
116 Posted 27/02/2017 at 20:12:54
RIP Alex Young – A true legend and a genuine inspiration.

I remember as a 9- or 10-year-old being captivated by The Golden Vision and for me three skills in particular stood out:-

1) He seemed to float for seconds waiting for the ball as others have described,

2) His dribbling skills were second to none (even in the era of George Best) with the press using the phrase ‘turn on a sixpence' about him all the time, and

3) I was amazed, how he could control a high ball literally instantly. He inspired me to practise these for hours as a kid, sadly to no avail.

I met him at the Adelphi event a few years ago and asked, still star-struck, how his blisters were nowadays. As others have confirmed he ever-so-politely explained “Much better now, thanks!”

Sad day. Condolences to his family and all blues. RIP, Alex.

Barry Rathbone
117 Posted 27/02/2017 at 20:13:35
Dad purred "Did you see that, son?" and being 5 years old, sitting in the Gwladys Street Stand, I replied "No dad, everyone stands up when he (Young) gets it (the ball)".

Dad didn't really hear, like all around he was beaming as though "Nil satis..." had arrived in human form and was dancing around Goodison.

Not growing much more till my teens, I never did see much of our Golden Vision but I understood why a TV drama would choose "The Golden Vision" as a theme. Just to see him walk onto Goodison was to evoke magic, mystery and hope.

The heights he hit meant the undying love of his faithful fans cascaded down the generations. He was more than a fantastic talent he was an entity that represented everything our club at it's best aspires to.

Thank you, Alex.

Get his autograph for me dad.

Paul Kossoff
118 Posted 27/02/2017 at 20:36:06
God bless, Alex, look out for my dad up in blue heaven.
Brent Stephens
119 Posted 27/02/2017 at 20:36:38
Peter (#113) – lovely story.
Brent Stephens
120 Posted 27/02/2017 at 20:39:47
Ray (#98) "Farewell, Tenderfoot".

Yes, I wonder how many suggestions he received for avoiding those pre-season blisters.

Sue Brown
121 Posted 27/02/2017 at 20:46:58
Very, very sad news, feel choked writing this.

I only saw the great man play a couple of times but remember that feeling of anticipation whenever he had the ball... what "magic" was he going to produce this time?

A shame for all younger Blues that we didn't have the football coverage years ago that we have now. He will always live strong in Evertonian memories. What a team we have in heaven now. RIP, great man, and my sincere condolences to your family.

Kevin Jones
122 Posted 27/02/2017 at 20:52:44
Too young to remember him but my Dad's favourite all time player. My old man will be organising a welcome committee for him up there now. RIP Alex, condolences to his loved ones and all Evertonians around the World. xxx
Geoff Lambert
123 Posted 27/02/2017 at 20:53:00
A true legend, RIP the golden vision.
Hedley Bryers
124 Posted 27/02/2017 at 20:53:17
My hero... so sad – just heard the sad news.

Thank you, Bill Kenwright –you took the very words out of my mouth. Everton fans everywhere – he was our hero, just stunning to watch. He glided over Goodison Park like no other – or ever will.  He was a gentleman on and off the pitch – simply the greatest.  Rest in peace, Alex.

George Stuart
126 Posted 27/02/2017 at 20:55:06
My first hero. RIP.

Holding back the tears.

Christy Ring
127 Posted 27/02/2017 at 20:56:32
RIP, Alex – a true legend and one of the most gifted to ever grace the Goodison Park turf. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Colin Glassar
128 Posted 27/02/2017 at 20:56:39
The first time I saw him I was sat up in the stands and the one player who stood out was this little blonde fella who seemed to be everywhere. He seemed to glimmer like a ghost or something. I only saw him a few times but I still feel privileged and honoured.
Jason Murray
129 Posted 27/02/2017 at 20:58:49
I found this quote and thought it just about summed Alex up perfectly:

"God must really be a blue because he sent one of his own to illuminate Goodison. Alex was elegance personified. He did everything with style and transported Evertonians to royal blue heaven."

A heaven he now resides in but his place in all our hearts will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace Alex and thank you for everything.

Terry White
130 Posted 27/02/2017 at 21:03:03
Like all other contributors, I was privileged to see Alex play in the 1960s. He was not perfect. He did tend to go missing when up against big defenders like Ron Yeats, and in a 1-1 draw against West Ham in the last minute I saw him put the "winner" over the bar from 2 yards.

But he was as near to perfect as any mortal had a right to be. The early '60s was an interesting time for football on Merseyside. Both Liverpool and us had signed new small Scots Number 9s. Each epitomised the style of each club and fitted in to the needs of that club at that time. Ian St John was a hard working player who helped the RS come out of the old Division 2.

But Alex the Great played with a style that fitted in to our way of doing things in a highly entertaining side that Johnny Carey had put together when we seemed to score goals for fun at Goodison Park, but not on the road.

Alex had one talent that set him above all others. He had perfect balance which enabled him, as Joe Royle has said, to leave opposition players sitting on their backsides. The goal scored against Man Utd is an excellent example of this, by perfect control and a balanced sway, he was able to leave 2 defenders and bury the ball into the Park end. He always was at his best cutting in from the left side.

Other games have been cited to remember his greatness. I can only concur with them. His header from Vernon's centre to beat Spurs, his flick-ons to Roy in the title-clinching game against Fulham, his two in the night replay against Burnley, his 3 wonderful goals in the early season night game against Sheffield Wednesday.

It is so sad that there are only a few clips of his greatness to treasure such as his precision finish from Vernon's through ball at Wolves in the Championship season.

Funnily enough, I was looking at his 2008 interview on You Tube only the other day. Such a polite, softly spoken Gentleman. It was a pity that he was not truly appreciated outside Merseyside at the time.

I have a signed print of Alex scoring his first goal for us at Blackburn (a game I attended) on the wall facing me now. That, plus all the wonderful memories he has generated for us, will ensure he will never be forgotten by this Everton fan.

Peter (#113), I do hope you still have your Dad's amber and blue tie (not a happy occasion! Perhaps if Alex had played, the result would have been different?) and you can show it when we are next together.

Kev Johnson
131 Posted 27/02/2017 at 21:29:06
Never saw him play, but my dad and uncle did said he was like a ballerina with a ball. They said he was one of the finest to grace Goodison Park. RIP, Legend.
Peter Mills
132 Posted 27/02/2017 at 21:29:40
Terry (#130), sadly, the tie has disappeared. I searched for it in my dad's house when he passed away a few years ago, I was going to wear it for his funeral. Some may have thought a blue "kipper" tie with amber spots would have been inappropriate attire, but you (and your own dad) would have understood!
Colin Smith
133 Posted 27/02/2017 at 21:46:39
Lucky enough to have been just behind the Gwladys Street goal for that immortal winner against Spurs. He seemed to hover in mid air and pick the exact spot to place his header. Great, great footballer.
Daniel Coyne
134 Posted 27/02/2017 at 21:48:31
I don't make contributions to websites etc but with today's news thought I would for the very first time.

Alex Young was way before my time but, as in most football supporting families and no doubt all Evertonian families, each generation have their own favourite player with the following generations' favourite not fit to be mentioned in the same breath.

The name Alex Young came up again and again with my Grandad's nephew being one of the writers of and an actor in 'The Golden Vision' (Neville Smith) and with my family being the fanatical blues portrayed on screen.

I wasn't around to see Alex Young play and was too young to ask questions about him to the people I wish were still here to ask. One thing is for sure, the Golden Vision will be remembered by those who saw him play and also those that didn't.

RIP Alex.

Mike Rees
135 Posted 27/02/2017 at 21:57:47
I only started following Everton as an 8-year-old from the 1966 Cup Final onwards. I didn't really appreciate how much of a talent Alex Young was at that time. Too young!

I remember my Dad when he was alive; regaling me of stories of the Golden Vision and his partnership with Roy Vernon in the 1963 Championship team. My Dad was a Blackburn fan but thought that was a great partnership. I remember grainy black and white TV images of the Tottenham game mentioned in particular.

It's very clear just how special a player he was to those of you on here who saw him play live; perhaps Everton's own version of a young George Best? Or was he better for those who saw him?

My own memories are of other great and sadly departed Everton players such as Alan Ball, Howard Kendall, Brian Labone etc but that in no way diminishes the fact that the Golden Vision was/is a legend for what he achieved at our club.

My condolences to his family and RIP to the legend in his lifetime, Alex Young.

Mike Campbell
136 Posted 27/02/2017 at 22:21:40
Sad news indeed. If I recall correctly his debut was against Spurs, I was in the Park End stand and the game was played in fog, we lost 0-1.

I have never before or since seen anyone like him; the closest, I would say would be Tom Finney. The Spurs goal and many other great memories of the man aptly named 'Golden Vision' with his ability to ghost past players. What a privilege it was to see him. RIP great one, we loved you.
Jack Farrell
137 Posted 27/02/2017 at 22:22:36
Any body who watched the Blues in the '60s will always remember Alex. 5'-8" and he terrorised huge centre-halves in the air. His silky skills were a joy to behold, as an all round player, not quite as good as Alan Ball, but, as a ball player, the best I ever saw in Royal Blue.

RIP Alex. My deepest sympathy to his widow and family.

John Audsley
138 Posted 27/02/2017 at 22:33:17
Beautiful player, God bless and all my love to his family and friends.
Patrick Murphy
139 Posted 27/02/2017 at 22:54:07
Paul (#101)
I couldn't find a particularly good picture of that header, but did find this. If you type in 'Alex Young goal v spurs 1962' and choose find images on your browser there are quite a few good pics of Alex.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Clive Mitchell
141 Posted 27/02/2017 at 23:19:21
Alec Young, the greatest I ever saw, the Golden Vision. What a privilege he was part of our young lives, what an honour he was part of our great club. A magnificent player, a wonderful man. Thank you Alec.
Eric Hardman
142 Posted 27/02/2017 at 00:28:28
A sad day. RIP Alex Young, a true blue legend and my all time favourite player.

As I write this I'm looking at his own hand, an autograph he wrote for me at Lime Street as I and the team disembarked from the London train near midnight, more than 50 years ago. It's a strange feeling, because I didn't make a habit of collecting autographs. It's written on a page torn out of a diary because I didn't have anything else to hand.

The picture Patrick has posted, of his goal against Spurs which I saw from the length of the pitch away – I was on the terrace behind the Park End goal – is reproduced in a souvenir brochure I collected celebrating our league title.

To me, he always epitomised the triumph of athleticism and skill over brawn and skullduggery. The picture captures this perfectly.

Paul Birmingham
143 Posted 28/02/2017 at 00:55:37
The Legend and is an Immortal.

Met Alex, a few times, and he was a true gent, and football man, and in modern times is the best epitome of all EFC School of Science, values, football man, honest and Blue, as you write it, no one has inspired in any area when he made such a connection with Evertonians, like no one else, since.

He was, as my dad said was better than George Best, but he never got the fame.

I've cried and laughed today, but that squad in the sky is The Best, as Evertonians, it's humbling and inspiration for the next leg of the journey.

Inspiration, unique and different class, as Alex would want it it to beat Spurs.

RIP, "What's Our Name?" The Best of the modern era and I will laugh and cry, happy, knowing that we are going to a better place.

Your Legacy will always be remembered and your spirit never forgot.

To The Young Family and Evertonians, we know we we were indeed Blessed and Thank You! Thanks Golden Vision, you will inspire Evertonians for ever! God Bless.

Derek Thomas
144 Posted 28/02/2017 at 00:59:25
Logged on, saw the Headline, first thoughts were "Ah shit... The Last True Legend".
Mick Davies
145 Posted 28/02/2017 at 01:00:21
I only caught the end of his Everton days as a schoolboy watching his first game. I can't say I remember much, but my brother adored him, so that was good enough for me.

RIP, the Golden Vision, and I bet Harold Matthews is rubbing his hands in delight at welcoming him to that great Goodison in the sky.

Dennis Stevens
146 Posted 28/02/2017 at 01:32:03
Very sad news, another icon of the Club lost to us. I've just watched the Golden Vision production from '68 again – I'd have been just 6 years old back then, so the "Golden" years were somewhat before my time, unfortunately.
Alan J Thompson
147 Posted 28/02/2017 at 04:01:40
The most graceful player I've ever seen. In a lot of games, he seemed only to play for 20 minutes but in that time the game was usually won and if we weren't 2-0 up then it was still 0-0.

RIP.

Jim Robinson
148 Posted 28/02/2017 at 05:04:41
I am of that generation old enough to say I saw Alex play and what a privilege it was. I have you and your silky skills to thank for my lifelong love of Everton FC. Thank you and God Bless.
Paul Ferry
149 Posted 28/02/2017 at 05:44:25
Sorry to add a different note here. Been watching Alex stuff all night. A wonderful night.

Can someone old enough tell me why – Alex talks about him all the time – Roy Vernon was sold to Stoke in 1965. 101 goals in 176 appearances.

What happened? Was it Catterick? Surely the fans were up in arms?
Tony Sullivan
150 Posted 28/02/2017 at 06:27:06
A group of young Blues at Murphy's Dancing School just off Oakfield Rd used to sing to the tune of Bobby's Girl:

"I wish I was Alex Young, I wish I was Alex Young."

We loved him. RIP Great Man.

Alexander Murphy
151 Posted 28/02/2017 at 06:45:20
To Alex's family, there can be no mere words which can console your loss.

The sheer love, admiration and universal adoration which is evoked at the mention of his name. Alex Young.

Even amongst our legends, Alex stands out.

Nil Satis Nisi Optimum, Alex Young.

Bob Parrington
152 Posted 28/02/2017 at 06:50:01
Patrick (#139) Oh what memories! How he used to be able to do that seemed to defy gravity! Thanks.

RIP, Alex Young. Thanks for the many, many boyhood memories!

Ray Roche
153 Posted 28/02/2017 at 08:02:33
Paul (#149),

I think his relationship with Catterick, a man with a strict disciplinary code, had soured and Catterick got rid.

Ray Roche
154 Posted 28/02/2017 at 08:10:24
Patrick (#139),

That is the iconic photograph of Young out jumping (probably) Marchi with Bill Brown, the keeper, stranded. For a smallish guy you can see just how much spring Alex had to be head and shoulders above his marker.

Of our last nine games, we won 7 and drew 2 with that game against rivals Spurs being the one that many think sealed our Championship as Spurs were seen as our biggest rivals.

Alex Parr
155 Posted 28/02/2017 at 08:49:12
My grandad's favourite player. I never saw him in the flesh but a true Everton legend. Sad to hear he has passed away. Part of the Everton Heaven 11. RIP.
Tony Waring
157 Posted 28/02/2017 at 09:31:47
Thanks Charles (#92) and best wishes to all in Crosby from the South Hams. Can you imagine the reception Alex must have received from your dad, Austin Thomas, Dick White and many others when he walked through the pearly gates?
Peter Murray
159 Posted 28/02/2017 at 09:38:29
Sheer class. Years ahead of his time.

Best? Messi etc? Not in the same league.

Tom Evans
160 Posted 28/02/2017 at 10:07:50
That goal against Spurs was caught on a brief BBC news broadcast. At that time, I had still to make my first visit to Goodison, but what I remember so vividly was the Gwladys Street masses swaying as the net bulged. Brilliant memory.
Laurie Hartley
161 Posted 28/02/2017 at 10:23:36
Like many on here who started watching Everton in the early sixties (1961 for me) I consider myself fortunate to have watched Alex Young playing in his pomp.

I was on the Bullens Rd terraces about 20 yards up from the boys pen when Alex scored that goal. Thanks Patrick (#139).

I don't know how it came about but I was there on my own and can remember I was shaking like a leaf before and at the start of the game – we knew it would decide the title.

I had no fags (I was skint) and I remember there was a couple there who gave me a fag to settle my nerves down – I was 14! :)

My memories of the game are blurred but what I do remember is the goal. I was more or less level with Alex as he rose majestically, hung in the air, and buried it.

Cue PANDEMONIUM.

That Spurs side was a great side by the way.

Alex Young a great player in a great team of players.

Condolences to all the Young family and friends – take comfort in the fact that he brought so much happiness into the lives of so many people.

Up the Blues!

Tony Dove
162 Posted 28/02/2017 at 10:50:34
Max@24. Alex had been dropped for the first game and had a point to prove which he duly did. On his day, there was no other player around I would rather have watched.
Tony Heron
163 Posted 28/02/2017 at 11:08:20
Disgusted with the Liverpool Echo. No mention of Alex on the front page and only a half-page tribute buried in the back pages.
Terry Underwood
164 Posted 28/02/2017 at 11:50:39
At 80 years old, it can come as no surprise BUT that makes it no less sad. devastating for his family, I'm sure the thoughts of all blues are with them... RIP, the Vision.
Matthew Williams
165 Posted 28/02/2017 at 12:18:46
Hardly a mention on TalkSport... so sad.
Chris Corn
167 Posted 28/02/2017 at 13:11:04
I was lucky enough to meet Alex at a Hall of Fame dinner in 2005. Well, 'meet' was probably stretching it. It was a quick handshake as he made his way through an adoring audience to the top table. It was enough...
Derek Knox
168 Posted 28/02/2017 at 14:51:02
As a fellow Scot, I am saddened, as we all are, by the great man's passing. I think I have mentioned on here before, that it was Alex Young, or rather the sight of him playing in a blue shirt (dark grey really, we only had a black and white telly then) that recruited me as an Evertonian!

My thoughts extend to his family foremost, but also to all fellow blues, who are old enough to remember his silky skills, and may have been luckier than myself, to actually see him playing live, or to have met him!

Patrick Murphy
169 Posted 28/02/2017 at 16:21:35
Stockport County, fondly remember the late great Alex Young.

Alex Young was, without question, one of the greatest British footballers of all time, arguably, the best ever at his first two clubs, Hearts and Everton.

Alex The King

Ray Roche
170 Posted 28/02/2017 at 16:25:53
After posting yesterday, I considered why his passing had left many of us quite emotional and I think it's the realisation that yet another link to our youth that's vanished and, in my case, a link to my Dad, who started me on my Everton lifelong trip. I was at that Spurs game with him, as we often went together to the match, and clearly recall his and my joy at Young's goal. A great goal and a great man. And so was Alex.
John G Davies
171 Posted 28/02/2017 at 16:33:19
I barely remember watching Alex but the regard he is still held in says everything. My dad told me he didn't run – he floated across the pitch.

He told me Alex could hang in the air for five seconds. He told me Alex could beat the whole defence then come back and do it again.

I will settle for that description.

Frank Mullin
172 Posted 28/02/2017 at 16:37:14
Peter (#113),

Thanks for that one. That 4-1 win v Sunderland was some game. I vividly recall we were so much on top that Bally sat on the ball on the edge of their box and gestured them to come and try and get it. They tried and failed to kick him off the park. It was a real pleasure to see Alex and Bally in the same side. It didn't happen too often. And a Johnny Morrissey hat-trick to boot. There was a rarity if ever there was one.

Another memory was a game, I think vs Villa maybe, and we were a couple of goals down. Alex was languishing on the bench late in the game and the crowd were restless for a substitution, when the PA announced without a slice of irony – "This is an SOS for a Mr A Young. Can he please contact the Secretary's office immediately."

The crowd went ballistic. Unfortunately Harry Catterick was the only one out of 40,000 who chose to ignore it and the inevitable defeat followed.

Alex Young was a true gentleman on and off the pitch, an outstanding player and one of the elite to grace Goodison Park with his sublime talent. I will remember him fondly as a legend in royal blue and one of my greatest heroes. RIP.

Chris Williams
174 Posted 28/02/2017 at 16:46:28
That Spurs goal, I think the guy failing miserably to mark Alex was Tony Marchi, but could be mistaken.

I met him years later, when he picked me up as a cab driver in London. Lovely guy full of tales and memories, who remembered Everton fondly as their greatest challengers. These guys always ask Scousers "Which team?"

I wish I'd asked him about the goal.

Patrick Murphy
175 Posted 28/02/2017 at 16:55:19
Chris (#174),

Tony Marchi was in the Spurs team that day, and what a crowd, nearly 68,000 inside Goodison Park that day.

I think this is the goal from Alex on that day, no sound and you have to be quick to spot it.

http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//ITN/1963/04/20/FS200463014/?s=Everton+1963&st=0&pn=1

Ray Roche
176 Posted 28/02/2017 at 17:02:52
Patrick, it was almost certainly Marchi in the photo, he was a right half, and Mackay (spit), Henry or Brown the other commonly used defenders. Brown was No 5 I think and Mackay No 6.
Terry White
177 Posted 28/02/2017 at 17:03:28
Chris (#174),

I think it is Tony Marchi. I watched it along with many others from the packed Goodison Road terrace. I know Maurice Norman did not play that day for Spurs which may have made things a little easier for us.

I do remember Gordon West making a very late save, I believe from Jimmy Greaves, and collapsing on the ball for a while.

Brent Stephens
178 Posted 28/02/2017 at 17:08:15
Ray (#170) – your second para has it.
Conor Skelly
179 Posted 28/02/2017 at 17:14:28
I'm too young to have seen the man play but I've just watched the first 20 minutes of the 66 Cup Final. So far, Young has had brilliantly taken goal disallowed and a stone wall penalty (glided around the keeper) not given.

Every other touch has been like silk. I see it now. I see what you old-timers are talking about. Every touch is like Gold.

Laurie Hartley
180 Posted 28/02/2017 at 21:00:50
Ray (#170) – got me going there, Ray.
Jeff Hough
181 Posted 28/02/2017 at 21:45:21
Totally agree with Tony at 163 about the Oldham Echo's pathetic coverage. I have just emailed to let them know how disgusted I am. Why don't others do the same? I don't listen to Talk Sport or I would be giving them loads too.

RIP Alex!

Peter Fearon
182 Posted 28/02/2017 at 21:47:14
In 1965, I was at a very rainy and half empty Goodison with my dad watching a dour 0-0 stalemate against a Stoke or a Sunderland or a Burnley which needed a goal. Alex Young was out of the side – recovering from injury most likely – and we were missing him.

Some wag called Everton with one of those SOS messages. Minutes later a voice came on the tannoy: "There is an emergency message for a Mr A Young. Will a Mr A Young please report to the nearest steward immediately." The crowd got the joke right away. and roared laughing. It took the announcer a little longer.

My eternal memory of Alex is him rising high to head a beautiful goal against Spurs in a crucial championship match against Spurs in 1963 – and floating beyond three defenders to score a beauty against Man Utd in 1966. And so many, many, many more.

Acta est fabula, plaudite!

Graham Reed
183 Posted 28/02/2017 at 22:00:09
Chris (#174), Patrick (#175), Ray (#176), Terry (#177).

It was John Smith (No 4).

Spurs team that day was Brown; Baker,Henry; Smith (J), Marchi, MacKay; Jones, White, Smith(R), Greaves, Dyson.

From Soccer Star, a weekly football magazine that gave full line-ups.

Patrick Murphy
184 Posted 28/02/2017 at 22:09:56
Thanks Graham (#163), my excuse is that I was only a toddler at the time... :)
Barry Jones
185 Posted 28/02/2017 at 23:36:08
My absolute hero. I first saw him play live in 1965 at Goodison and I was in awe, as he had been my idol for the previous two years. Every time as a kid, when I smashed a shot into the goal at the local recreation ground, I was Alex Young. He is unforgetable, and as others have mentioned on here, was only equalled by Bally.
Pat McKinlay
186 Posted 28/02/2017 at 00:08:40
Very, very sad news to hear my idol, Alex Young, has gone.

One of my recollections of Alex was he had a book out that the Liverpool Echo printed excerpts from, in the Saturday pink edition. A couple of us were talking in the local pub and the conversation got around to who Everton beat and what round on the way to Wembley in 1966.

I thought Everton played Bedford in the 4th or 5th Round (not sure exactly now) but this scum Liverpool supporter insisted it was the other way around and goaded me into betting a fiver who was right.

As soon as we had shook hands on the bet, he produced the Liverpool Pink Echo and pointed out that he was right and backed it up with what it said in the Liverpool Echo. He was right and I paid the fiver but could not get it out of my mind and a couple of days later I checked my beloved Everton programs and my prized cup final program showed I was right and there was a error in the Liverpool Echo.

I think he was at Stockport Country so I wrote to him thanking him for the enjoyment he had given to Evertonians, I also enclosed a photo taken at the Cup Final of him being presented to some royalty at the start of the game, saying he would always be Royalty with Evertonians and pointing out the error in his book. I could not believe it when I received a reply from Alex thanking me for the photo and letter I sent and pointing out that the mistake in the Echo was a mix-up with the ghost writer

He was a gentleman, he was my idol, he was one of Everton's great players.

RIP, Alex.

Seb Niemand
187 Posted 01/03/2017 at 06:29:39
Mr Young was a gentleman and a genius. And, most importantly, he was those things in that order. This is a sad and lonesome day.
George McKane
188 Posted 01/03/2017 at 08:55:47
I made my own Tribute to The Golden Vision on my weekly spot on City Talk.I always try to get Everton into the conversation. You may have to copy and paste the link to hear it but I think it's worth it – let me know if it works,

Our Tuesday regular George McKane from @yellowhouse_25 and he's telling us about his memories of Alex Young

Listen: Link

Ray Roche
189 Posted 01/03/2017 at 08:59:52
Thanks, Graham (#183)
David Midgley
191 Posted 01/03/2017 at 10:24:35
He would glide over the pitch as if he was skating on ice.
No jerky movements just effortless.

The ball was always about six inches away from his boot, as if if it was on a string. He would be running at full speed with the ball, check, and change direction instantly. Defenders would be falling over.

He would rise for a cross and somehow hover for what seemed like an eternity in the air (I've still after all these years never be able to understand it) and then head the ball with as much power as many could kick it.

1966, after the world cup Everton at home to West Ham. All the World cup heroes were there and everyone wanted to see them. We had Bally by this time so there was a great deal of talent on the pitch.

Alex was in his own half, spotted their goalie off his line and hit an intended shot at goal. It went over the bar. This was four years before Mexico and Pele's effort. Sublime.

Does anyone else think in all his pics Alex looks like a Roman God?

A few years back there were some great articles and letters about him in The Scotsman. Thanks for the memory but it was just as if it was yesterday.

Lenny Kingman
192 Posted 03/03/2017 at 19:54:03
All things must pass.

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