Ashley Simon Young (born 9 July 1985 in Stevenage, Hertfordshire) is an English footballer who currently plays as a winger or second striker for Aston Villa. Young has a younger brother, Lewis who plays for Watford. Despite having been turned away by Watford's Academy after an unsuccessful spell, Young endeavoured to improve himself as a player and was eventually offered a professional deal by the club.

The 18-year-old was handed his first team début under Ray Lewington in September 2003, scoring as a substitute against Millwall. He achieved five substitute appearances that season, scoring three goals, and made his first start for the club in the League Cup. Young came to prominence in the 2004-05 season, playing a part in 34 of Watford's league matches as they struggled to survive in the Championship.

Although he failed to find the net, he supplied several assists. His performance during this season earned him the club's Young Player of the Season award. Under Aidy Boothroyd in the 2005–06 season, Young was given a new lease of life as a striker.

Young started 41 League matches, finding the net 15 times,including a playoff semi-final goal against Crystal Palace, as Watford qualified for the playoffs and eventually beat Leeds United 3–0 to gain promotion to the Premier League.

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