Former Chelsea Goal King Tambling Dies At 84

Bobby Tambling, once the club’s all-time leading scorer, has died at the age of 84. Between 1959 and 1970, the striker netted 202 goals in 370 appearances for Chelsea — a record that stood until Frank Lampard surpassed it in May 2013.

Tambling made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut as a 17-year-old. He helped the Blues lift the League Cup in 1965, finding the net against Leicester in the final, and also scored in Chelsea’s 1967 FA Cup final defeat to Tottenham. The forward earned three England caps before leaving for Crystal Palace in 1970.

In a tribute on their website, Chelsea said: “We have very sadly lost one of our most legendary players. Our deepest condolences go out to Bobby’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

After finishing his playing career in the Republic of Ireland, Tambling settled in Cork and went on to manage local sides Cork Celtic, Cork City and Crosshaven. In recent years, he had been living with dementia.

Crosshaven’s X account paid tribute, calling him “a true Chelsea legend and an even more wonderful human being. His warmth, his wisdom, his humour and his love will stay with us forever.

“He loved returning to the Bridge, where he was worshipped. Seeing his ‘Tambling 202’ banner proudly displayed and having a suite named in his honour always filled him with quiet pride.”