“We have all lost a true legend”: Record breaking Chelsea legend Bobby Tambling has died at 84

Former Chelsea forward Bobby Tambling has died at the age of 84, it has been announced. The news was confirmed by his former club, Irish side Crosshaven, where he was a player and manager.

Tambling came to international attention during his career with Chelsea, making his debut in 1959 at the age of 17, and going on to score a record 202 goals in 370 appearances. The haul stood as the most by a player at Stamford Bridge until it was broken in 2013, by iconic Blues midfielder, Frank Lampard.

Tambling was part of the Chelsea side that won the League Cup in 1965, scoring against Leicester in the final. And his five goals in a single match against Aston Villa in 1966 remains a Chelsea record, while he also netted a consolation in the 1967 FA Cup final defeat to Tottenham.

He won three caps for England and had a spell at Crystal Palace before finishing his career in the Republic of Ireland. Having settled in Cork, he managed local sides Cork Celtic, Cork City and Crosshaven.

In recent years Tambling had been diagnosed with dementia. Confirming the news, Crosshaven said: “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.

“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.”