News Focus
- Bobby Tambling has died at the age of 84.
- He was Chelsea’s record goalscorer with 202 goals until 2013.
- The striker won the League Cup with the Blues in 1965.
- He also managed several clubs in Ireland after retiring.
- Chelsea and his former Irish club have sent tributes.
Chelsea Football Club has announced the sad news that Bobby Tambling has died. The former striker was 84 years old. He had been ill with dementia.
Tambling held the record for the most goals scored for the Blues. He scored 202 times in 370 matches between 1959 and 1970. Frank Lampard broke this record in May 2013.
The forward began his Chelsea career as a teenager. He scored on his first appearance at the age of 17. During his time at Stamford Bridge, he helped the team win the 1965 League Cup. He scored in the final against Leicester City.
Tambling also played in the 1967 FA Cup final. He scored against Tottenham Hotspur, but Chelsea lost the match. He played three times for the England national team before leaving the club in 1970.
After leaving west London, he joined Crystal Palace. He later moved to the Republic of Ireland to finish his playing career. He settled in Cork and became a manager there. He led Cork Celtic, Cork City and Crosshaven.
The club released a statement on their website. They described him as one of their most legendary players. They sent condolences to his family and friends.
Crosshaven, where he coached, also paid tribute on social media. They called him a true Chelsea legend and a wonderful person. They said his warmth and humour would stay with them forever.
Supporters at Stamford Bridge respected him greatly. The club named a suite after him and displayed a “Tambling 202” banner. These honours brought him great pride when he visited the stadium.