Former Leyton Orient striker Sammy Winston dies aged 44

02/28/2023

‘An absolute diamond of a person’: Former Leyton Orient striker Sammy Winston dies aged 44 as tributes pour in for the footballer-turned-firefighter following his passing

Winston started his career in Tottenham’s academy and spent time at Norwich
He signed for Orient in 1996 and went on to make 13 appearances for the club
The O’s confirmed his death on Tuesday and expressed their sadness at the news

Former Leyton Orient striker Sammy Winston has died at the age of 44, the club has confirmed.

Winston, who started his career in Tottenham’s academy and helped them reach the FA Youth Cup final before joining Norwich as a trainee, signed for Orient in the summer of 1996 and went on to make 13 appearances for the Third Division side.

After not featuring for the first team in his second season at Brisbane Road, the forward moved to conference team Yeovil in early 1998 and went on to line up for several other non-league clubs, including Sutton, Boreham Wood and Leyton.

Winston chose to hang up his boots at the age of 30 following a spell with Enfield Town, and after retiring he went on to become a firefighter.

On Tuesday Orient announced the death of their former player, writing: ‘The Club is saddened to learn the news of the passing of former player Sammy Winston, aged 44.

Former Leyton Orient striker Sammy Winston has died at the age of 44, the club has confirmed

Winston played for a host of non-league clubs before retiring and becoming a firefighter

‘Everyone at Orient sends their deepest condolences to Sammy’s family and friends at this sad time.’

Tributes have poured in for Winston on social media following the tragic news of his passing.

One user wrote: ‘One of my old [Yeovil] teammates I am genuinely in shock. An absolute diamond of a person and will be sadly missed. Thoughts with his family. RIP Sammy x’.

Another posted: ‘So young, R.I.P Sammy’.

A Sutton supporter commented: ‘Was one of my faves very sad news’.

While Yeovil also tweeted: ‘All at #YTFC are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player Sammy Winston. Sammy joined the Glovers in 1997 from Leyton Orient. We send our condolences to his loved ones.’

Tributes have poured in for the ex-forward on social media following the news of his passing

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