Ex-Ipswich, England striker Whymark dies at 74

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Former Ipswich Town striker Trevor Whymark has passed away at the age of 74 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Whymark, who scored 104 goals in 335 appearances for Ipswich, played under Sir Bobby Robson during one of the club’s most successful periods in the 1970s.

The former England international also had stints with Grimsby Town, Southend United, Colchester United, and Peterborough United.

An Ipswich Town spokesperson said: “We are saddened to report the passing of Town legend Trevor Whymark.

“He died peacefully surrounded by his family.”

Whymark was discovered by scouts while playing for Norfolk against Suffolk in a county youth match and made his debut for Ipswich Town at the age of 19.

In the 1972-73 season, he featured in 53 matches, missing only one.

A standout moment in his career was scoring four goals in Ipswich’s UEFA Cup victory over Lazio, following an earlier win over Real Madrid that season.

He earned a single cap for England under Ron Greenwood in 1977, coming on as a second-half substitute against Luxembourg in a World Cup qualifier.

Unsung hero

It was revealed last year that Whymark had been living with Alzheimer’s, a condition he was diagnosed with in late 2019.

His family initially observed “subtle changes” in his memory and mood, which they initially attributed to grief following his mother’s passing.

Speaking previously, Whymark’s son, Craig, said: “It’s really touching that people still remember dad and with such fondness.”

Since his death football fans have flooded social media with tributes to the former star, with one describing him as a “brilliant, underrated striker and lovely, unassuming man”.

One described him as an “unsung” hero of the Robson era.

A Grimsby Town fan said it was a “privilege” to see him wear the “black and white stripes”.

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) said: “Everyone at the PFA is deeply saddened by the passing of Trevor Whymark.

“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Trevor’s family, friends and loved ones.”