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Alex Young, one of the most idolised, cherished and adored footballers in Everton’s 139-year history, has passed away peacefully in his native Edinburgh.

Nicknamed The Golden Vision, Alex’s son contacted the Echo to pass on the sad news and said: “Dad passed away peacefully in a local hospital this morning.

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“He has been ill for a few weeks but he battled on bravely. It’s still very raw but I wanted people on Merseyside to know.”

Born in 1937, Alex Young made 273 appearances for Everton and scored 87 goals, winning the League Championship in 1963 and the FA Cup in 1966.

But it was his style and artistry, the embodiment of the club’s School of Science tag, which elevated him above mere league and cup winners in Evertonian eyes.

He was idolised like no other player throughout the 1960s and fans continued to pay homage on his visits back to Merseyside after his retirement.

On one of those return trips, Alex made an emotional return to Goodison Park in November for the preview screening of a DVD about his career - screened in the lounge which bears his name.

Son Alex added: “He loved Everton and he loved being back at Goodison Park. He always said it was like going to church.”