Bobby Tambling, who was Chelsea's all-time top scorer until Frank Lampard broke his record in 2013, has died at the age of 84
Chelsea's former record goal-scorer Bobby Tambling has died aged 84
Chelsea's former record goal-scorer Bobby Tambling has died aged 84(Image: (Photo by Paul Popper/Popperfoto via Getty Images/Getty Images))
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Former Chelsea striker Bobby Tambling has died at the age of 84, as announced by his former club Crosshaven.
Tambling's remarkable tally of 202 goals in 370 appearances for the Blues made him the Stamford Bridge club's all-time leading scorer until 2013, when Frank Lampard surpassed his record.
Tambling made his Chelsea debut as a 17-year-old in 1959 and was a key member of the side that lifted the League Cup in 1965, netting against Leicester in the final.
His five goals in a single game against Aston Villa in 1966 remains a Chelsea record, while he also scored a consolation in the 1967 FA Cup final loss to Tottenham.
He earned three England caps and had a stint at Crystal Palace before rounding off his playing career in 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 had been diagnosed with dementia.
A Crosshaven statement posted on X read: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that Crosshaven AFC announce the passing of our dear friend and former manager, Bobby Tambling - a true Chelsea legend and an even more wonderful human being.
"His passion for football was absolutely infectious. Whether he was talking tactics, working on set pieces, or telling stories from his playing days (sometimes for the tenth time), you couldn't help but hang on every word.
Chelsea legend Bobby Tambling visited Stamford Bridge just a few years ago
Chelsea legend Bobby Tambling visited Stamford Bridge just a few years ago
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"Bobby leaves an enormous hole in all our lives. We are all better, kinder, and richer for having known him.
"His warmth, his wisdom, his humour and his love will stay with us forever. To his loving family, his close friends, and his adoring Chelsea family - we send our deepest, most heartfelt condolences.
"We have all lost a true legend, and a very special man."
Tributes from Chelsea supporters on X have also flooded in with many reminiscing his goals for the club.
Only in the last few years did he visit Stamford Bridge and the club's London Cobham training ground with his trip to the latter seeing him engage in conversation with the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva.
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