David Young: Sunderland legend from 1973 FA Cup final dies age 80 as cause of death confirmed
David Young, who played for Sunderland in the 1973 FA Cup final, has died age 80, the club has confirmed.
Young, who was the sole substiute for the Black Cats in the cup final against Leeds United, died on January 18, according to the club.
The central defender formed part of a Second Division side that shocked English football by beating Leeds, who were the dominant domestic force a the time.
According to a Sunderland spokesperson, Young had been admitted to a care home after being diagnosed with dementia.
Teammate Dennis Tueart said: “We went to the same school together although David was a couple of years older than me. We later went into business along with [goalkeeper] Derek Forster so we knew each other very well.
“When Bob Stokoe became manager, he brought in David and also Ron Guthrie because he wanted to add some experience and know-how to the back four. He partnered David next to Dave Watson in the centre of defence and they did well, but when David got an injury Ritchie Pitt came in and never looked back.
“There was only a single substitute in those days and David was on the bench for us in the cup final. He was a big part of the squad, and we had many happy memories together.”
Young signed for Sunderland just over a week before the start of the season, playing all four of the club’s games in the European Cup Winners’ Cup and making a total of 41 appearances, scoring one goal in the process.
One year later, the defender moved on to play for the likes of Charlton Athletic and Southend United, before finishing his playing days with non-league side Dartford.