Quintin Young, born Irvine, Scotland, September 19, 1947. Known for his pace and skill, Quintin Young had his fair share of ups and downs while playing for Ayr United, Coventry City, Rangers, and East Fife.
A dynamic flanker, 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 club. Moreover, 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. Furthermore, his performances began attracting attention from clubs outside Scotland, which eventually led to a move south of the border. After two years with Ayr, he caught the eye of Coventry City, who saw in Young a player with immense potential to compete at a higher level.
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 competitiven matches, he demonstrated his resilience and adaptability. Young would make 26 Division One apperances for Coventry, contributing not only through his attacking prowess but also by offering defensive cover when necessary. His versatility as a winger allowed Coventry to utilize him in various tactical setups, making him a valuable squad player during his two seasons with the club. 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 Coventry 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. Perhaps the highlight of Young’s stint at Rangers came during the 1973 European Super Cup against Ajax Amsterdam. The Super Cup, a two-legged affair, saw Rangers face the Dutch giants in a high-profile clash. Although Rangers were ultimately defeated by Ajax, Young made his mark by scoring in the second leg in Amsterdam, showcasing his ability to perform on the big stage. However, not all was smooth sailing for Young during his time at Rangers. His relationship with manager Jock Wallace became strained, culminating in a well-publicized fallout that led to his departure from the 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.
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. Although East Fife did not offer the same level of glamour as Rangers, it provided Young with the stability and playing time he craved. Over the next few years, he became a key figure for the club, making 67 appearances and offering both experience and leadership to the team. In contrast to his time at Rangers, where off-field issues clouded his contributions, Young’s 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 East Fife, particularly during tight matches and high-pressure situations. His retirement in 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. Quintin Young Playing Career: Ayr United, Coventry City, Rangers, East Fife.