Bobby Tambling, Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer until Frank Lampard broke his record in 2013, has died at the age of 84.
Former Chelsea record goalscorer Bobby Tambling dies at the age of 84 (Image: (Photo by Paul Popper/Popperfoto via Getty Images/Getty Images))
Former Chelsea striker Bobby Tambling has died at the age of 84, his former club Crosshaven have announced.
Tambling scored an astonishing 202 goals in 370 appearances for the Blues, making him the Stamford Bridge club’s all-time top scorer until Frank Lampard surpassed him in 2013.
Tambling made his debut for Chelsea in 1959 at the age of 17 and was a key member of the team that won the League Cup in 1965, scoring in the final against Leicester.
His five goals in one game against Aston Villa in 1966 remains a Chelsea record, and he also scored a comfortable victory in the 1967 FA Cup final when they lost to Tottenham.
He won three England caps and played for Crystal Palace before finishing his playing career with the Republic of Ireland.
After settling in Cork, he went on to manage local clubs Cork Celtic, Cork City and Crosshaven. In his later years, Tambling was diagnosed with dementia.
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A statement from Crosshaven, published in
“His passion for football was absolutely infectious. When he talked about tactics, worked on set-pieces or talked about his playing days (sometimes for the 10th time), you couldn’t help but listen to every word.
Chelsea legend Bobby Tambling visited Stamford Bridge just a few years ago
“Bobby left a huge hole in our lives. We all came out better, kinder and richer for knowing him.
“His warmth, wisdom, humor and love will remain with us forever. We extend our deepest condolences to his loving family, close friends and the Chelsea family who loved him.”
“We have all lost a true legend and a very special person.”
Tributes have also poured in for X from Chelsea supporters, with many remembering his goals for the club.
He has only visited Stamford Bridge and the club’s London Cobham training ground in recent years, the latter where he was seen chatting with the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva.
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