Trevor Whymark, a revered figure in Ipswich Town’s history, passed away at the age of 74 after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His death marks the loss of a player whose contributions were integral to the club’s successes during the 1970s.
Whymark’s journey to Ipswich began when he was scouted while playing for Norfolk against Suffolk in a county youth fixture. He made his debut for Ipswich at 19 and went on to make 335 appearances for the club, scoring 104 goals. Under the management of Sir Bobby Robson, Whymark was part of a team that achieved significant milestones, including winning the Texaco Cup in 1973 and the FA Cup in 1978. His remarkable heading ability earned him praise from Leeds United manager Don Revie, who regarded him as the best header of the ball in Britain. Despite this acclaim, Whymark earned only one England cap, coming on as a substitute against Luxembourg in a World Cup qualifier in 1977.
In 1979, a knee injury curtailed his career at Ipswich. He continued to play professionally with Derby County, Sparta Rotterdam, and the Vancouver Whitecaps, where he won the NASL title. Later, he played for Grimsby Town, Southend United, Peterborough United, Colchester United, and concluded his playing career at Diss Town as a player-manager.
In 2019, Whymark was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. His family noticed subtle changes in his memory and mood, which they initially attributed to grief following his mother’s passing. In 2025, an inquest into his death revealed that while football could not be definitively linked to his condition, scans indicated a loss of brain tissue and decreased metabolic activity, consistent with a neurodegenerative process.
Tributes have poured in from fans and former teammates, remembering Whymark as a brilliant, underrated striker and a lovely, unassuming man. Ipswich Town expressed their deep sadness at his passing, acknowledging his status as a club legend.
Trevor Whymark’s legacy endures through his contributions to Ipswich Town and his enduring impact on the football community.
