Former Chelsea striker Bobby Tambling has died at the age of 84 sparking a flood of tributes to the club icon.
Tambling's extraordinary haul of 202 goals in 370 matches for the Blues established him as the Stamford Bridge outfit's record goalscorer until 2013, when legendary midfielder Frank Lampard overtook his tally. Tambling broke into the Chelsea first team as a 17 year old in 1959 and proved pivotal in the squad that claimed the League Cup in 1965, finding the net against Leicester in the showpiece.
His quintet of strikes in one match against Aston Villa in 1966 stands as a Chelsea benchmark, while he also found the back of the net in consolation during the 1967 FA Cup final defeat to Tottenham. He collected three England caps and enjoyed a spell at Crystal Palace before concluding his playing days in the Republic of Ireland, reports the Mirror.
Chelsea's former record goal-scorer Bobby Tambling has died aged 84
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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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Following his move to Cork, he went on to take charge of local sides Cork Celtic, Cork City and Crosshaven.
In his twilight years, Tambling had been living with dementia. His death was confirmed by another former club, Crosshaven.
A Crosshaven statement shared 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.
Ex-Chelsea player Bobby Tambling unveils a plaque in his honour at Stamford Bridge in 2019
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Ex-Chelsea player Bobby Tambling unveils a plaque in his honour at Stamford Bridge in 2019
Bobby Tambling pictured with his family in his Chelsea days
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Bobby Tambling pictured with his family in his Chelsea days
"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 10th time), you couldn't help but hang on every word.
"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.
Chelsea legends - Frank Lampard (right) with Bobby Tambling (second from left), Mario Melchiot (left) and Paul Canoville (second from right)
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Chelsea legends - Frank Lampard (right) with Bobby Tambling (second from left), Mario Melchiot (left) and Paul Canoville (second from right)(Image: Frank Lampard Instagram)
Frank Lampard famously beat Bobby Tambling's Chelsea record of 202 goals when he scored twice in a Premier League match away to Aston Villa in 2013
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Frank Lampard famously beat Bobby Tambling's Chelsea record of 202 goals when he scored twice in a Premier League match away to Aston Villa in 2013(Image: AFP/Getty)
"We have all lost a true legend, and a very special man."
Tributes from Chelsea fans on X have been pouring in, with many reflecting on his goals for the club.
Only in recent years did he visit Stamford Bridge and the club's London Cobham training ground, with his trip to the latter involving chats with the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva.
Between 1962 and 1966, Tambling made three international appearances for England, scoring once in a 5-2 defeat to France in a European Nations' Cup qualifier. He later played for the League of Ireland XI on at least two occasions.