Alex Young dies at age 80

Alex Young, one of the most respected players in Everton's rich history, died on Monday at the age of 80.

Everton confirmed Young's death in a statement. The Golden Vision, as he was known, passed away at a small hospital close to Edinburgh, Scotland after battling illness for a few weeks.

"Everton Football Club is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of Goodison's greatest sons, The Golden Vision, Alex Young," the statement said.

"The legendary Scot, a title winner with the Blues in 1962-63 and part of the side that famously came from 2-0 down against Sheffield Wednesday to lift the FA Cup three years later, passed away on Monday, aged 80."

"A centre-forward who combined elegant skill with a boundless determination and passion, he was an icon of his era, a player who glided across even the heaviest of surfaces, shimmying and tricking his way past defenders before effortlessly floating shots past baffled goalkeepers."

Young joined Everton from Heart of Midlothian in 1960 and went on to score 87 goals for the Toffees through 273 appearances. In 1968, he departed Goodison Park for Glentoran. In the same year, a docu-drama called "The Golden Vision" was directed by Ken Loach. As the Guardian's Andy Hunter explains, it dealt with Young and his relationship with Evertonians.

Following confirmation of Young's death, there was an outpouring of tributes on Twitter from those connected to Everton, with many sharing their thoughts with the former player's family and friends.