Sammy Winston, a former Tottenham Hotspur player, died at the age of 44 after giving up football to become a firefighter.
Sammy Winston, a former Tottenham Hotspur footballer, died at the age of 44.
Sammy Winston, a former Tottenham Hotspur player, has died at the age of 44. After retiring from football in 2009, the ex-forward, who helped Spurs reach the FA Youth Cup final, became a firefighter.
Winston began his career in the Tottenham youth system before moving on to Norwich as a trainee. During his tenure at Carrow Road, he was a regular in the junior team and reserves, and he was signed by Leyton Orient under Pat Holland in 1996.
The Islington-born striker had to wait his turn to make his debut for the east London club, but he made it count with a stunning goal in a 2-1 home win over Merthyr Tydfil in the first round of the FA Cup. A week later, he made his Football League debut in a 2-0 defeat at Cambridge United, and he went on to make another 12 appearances throughout his first season at the club.
He did not play for the Os first team the following season, but he was a regular in the reserve squad, before a brief stint with Yeovil Town, when he scored six goals in six games. Winston went on to play for non-league clubs such as Sutton, Kingstonian, Slough, and Borehamwood before retiring in 2009 after a stint with Enfield.
“The club is saddened to learn of the death of former player Sammy Winston, aged 44,” Leyton Orient said in a statement on Tuesday. “Everyone at Orient sends their deepest condolences to Sammy’s family and friends at this sad time.”
“All at #YTFC are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player Sammy Winston,” Yeovil said. Sammy joined the Glovers from Leyton Orient in 1997. We extend our condolences to his family.”
Fans took to Twitter to pay their respects to Winston, with @Parms11 tweeting, “One of my old @YTFC team-mates, I am genuinely in shock.” A true gem of a person who will be sorely missed. Thoughts go out to his family. RIP, Sammy.”
BrisbaneRd”A real gent and a real life hero having joined the fire service after his playing career,” Paul wrote. He was still playing charity matches on an Arsenal legends side that included his old Os teammate Joe Baker. Sammy, rest in peace.” Meanwhile, @Gallifrey5 posted on Twitter, “RIP Sammy. I used to watch you play for Chesham United!” “Too young,” commented another football fan, @markshaw17. RIP.” @EdwardK54212196 also tweeted, “Rest in peace.”
