Quintin Young, born on September 19, 1947, in Irvine, Scotland, was a footballer of undeniable flair and pace. Widely known for his electrifying runs down the left flank, Young´s professional playing career was marked by moments of brilliance, periods of adversity, and the occasional dramatic turn.

PART ONE

A dynamic flanker with a good shot, Quintin Young’s football journey began at Ayr United, where he signed in 1969. His time with the Honest Men was marked by a total of 67 appearances in the Scottish League, during which Young’s abilities as a left-winger became evident. In particular, his dribbling skills, ability to cross the ball accurately, and work-rate made him a standout player for the Somerset Park side.

Ayr offered Young the opportunity to refine his game, playing in a competitive environment where his pace and energy were invaluable assets to the team. At the same time, his performances began attracting attention from clubs outside Scotland, which eventually led to a move south of the border.

In 1971, Young made the significant move to Coventry City, joining The Sky Blues as they were competing in the top tier of English football. Transitioning to a more intense and physically demanding league, Young faced the challenge of adapting his game to the rigors of the English First Division, but despite the pressure of playing in a more competitive matches, he demonstrated his resilience and adaptability.

Young would go on to make 26 Football League appearances for Coventry, contributing not only through his attacking prowess but also by offering defensive cover when necessary. His versatility as a winger allowed manager Joe Mercer to utilize him in various tactical setups, making him a valuable squad player during his two seasons with the Midlanders.

In contrast to his time at Ayr United, where he was a more consistent starter, his role at Coventry was more rotational, and this perhaps limited his ability to establish himself fully. His two years at Highfield Road no doubt helped him gain vital experience, but he sought a return to Scotland, where he could make a more significant impact, which is when Rangers came calling.

Young’s move to The Gers in 1973 marked the pinnacle of his footballing career. Rangers, one of Scotland’s most storied clubs, offered Young the chance to compete at the highest level of Scottish football and on the European stage. His time at Ibrox was arguably the most exciting phase of his career, as he played 82 Scottish League matches and made several significant contributions to the team.

The highlight of Young’s Rangers tenure was undoubtedly his involvement in the 1973 European Super Cup against AFC Ajax. Pitted against The Amsterdammers in a two-legged clash, Rangers faced an uphill battle. Despite a 6-3 aggregate defeat, Young’s performance in the second leg, where he found the back of the net in Amsterdam, showcased his ability to shine in high-stakes situations. It was moments like these that underlined his reputation as a player for the big occasion.

However, not all was smooth sailing for Young during his time with the Glasgow giants. His relationship with Rangers manager Jock Wallace became somewhat strained, culminating in a well-publicized fallout that led to his departure from the Ibrox club. Young, feeling increasingly frustrated by a lack of first-team opportunities, requested a meeting with Wallace to discuss his position. The meeting quickly turned sour, and an argument ensued, leading to Wallace granting Young a free transfer.

PART TWO

Consequently, this abrupt end to his Rangers career was a bitter pill to swallow, but it also marked a turning point. The incident, though unfortunate, highlighted Young’s fierce determination and desire to play regular football, characteristics that had driven his success throughout his career. Following his departure from Rangers in 1976, Young found a new home at East Fife and although The Fifers did not offer the same level of glamour as The Gers, it provided him with the stability and playing time he craved.

Over the next few years, he would become a key figure for the club, making 67 League appearances and offering both experience and leadership to the team. Contrary to this three-year stay at Rangers, where off-field issues clouded his contributions, Young’s four-year spell at East Fife was marked by consistency. He flourished as a senior player and played a crucial role in guiding the younger members of the squad. Moreover, his experience from playing at top-tier clubs made him an invaluable asset for the Bayview Stadium side, particularly during tight matches and high-pressure situations.

Quintin Young´s retirement from active playing in the summer of 1980 marked the end of a rewarding career, one that saw him play at various levels of the game and leave a lasting impact on the clubs he represented. He may not have achieved the widespread acclaim of some of his contemporaries, but his impact on the various clubs that he represented is undeniable. From his energetic displays and electrifying runs at Ayr United to his leadership at East Fife, he exemplified the qualities of a true professional.