Former Tottenham ace Sammy Winston has died at the age of 44. The ex-forward, who helped Spurs reach the final of the FA Youth Cup, became a fireman after hanging up his boots in 2009.
Winston started his career with the Tottenham academy and later joined Norwich as a trainee. He was a regular in the youth team and the reserves during his time at Carrow Road and was signed by Leyton Orient in 1996 under Pat Holland.
The Islington-born ace had to bide his time to make his debut for the east London club but marked it by scoring a cracking goal during a 2-1 home win against Merthyr Tydfil in the first round of the FA Cup. He was then handed his Football League debut a week later in a 2-0 defeat at Cambridge United and went on to make another 12 appearances during his debut campaign at the club.
The following season he failed to feature for the Os first team but was a regular in the reserve team, before enjoying a brief spell with Yeovil Town, where he bagged six goals in six games. Winston went on to play for a string of non-league teams, including Sutton, Kingstonian, Slough and Borehamwood, before retiring in 2009 following a spell with Enfield.
Former Tottenham player Sammy Winston has died at the age of 44 (Image: GETTY)
“The club is saddened to learn the news of the passing of former player Sammy Winston, aged 44,” wrote Leyton Orient in a statement on Tuesday morning. “Everyone at Orient sends their deepest condolences to Sammy’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Meanwhile, Yeovil penned: “All at #YTFC are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player Sammy Winston. Sammy joined the Glovers in 1997 from Leyton Orient. We send our condolences to his loved ones.”
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Sammy Winston, who has sadly passed away, made his Football League debut for Leyton Orient (Image: GETTY)
Fans were quick to pay their tributes to Winston on Twitter, with @Parms11 writing: “One of my old @YTFC team-mates, I am genuinely in shock. An absolute diamond of a person and will be sadly missed. Thoughts with his family. RIP Sammy x.”
BrisbaneRdPaul penned: “A real gent & a real life hero having joined the fire service after his playing career. He was still playing charity matches for an Arsenal legends side which includes Joe Baker his old Os team mate. RIP Sammy” Meanwhile, @Gallifrey5 said: “RIP Sammy. Watched you play for Chesham United back in the day!” Another football fan @markshaw17 wrote: “Too young. RIP.” And @EdwardK54212196 added: “Rest in peace.”