Bobby Tambling: Chelsea legend who was record scorer for four decades dies

Former Chelsea footballer Bobby Tambling, who was the club's record scorer for more than four decades, has died aged 84.

He scored 202 goals in 370 appearances for the Blues between 1959 and 1970, a record in front of goal that went unbeaten until Frank Lampard broke it in 2013.

When Lampard claimed the record, Tambling said: "We have grown close over the last few years because I think we both realised this was a day that was going to come.

"We always have a joke with each other, I say 'come on Frank, rush along'. And my partner would always say 'come on Frank, don't take any more penalties'."

One club record he still holds is for the number of goals in a single game – he netted five against Aston Villa in 1966.

Tambling, who was just 17 when he made his debut, also scored in the 1965 League Cup final against Leicester and 1967 FA Cup final against Tottenham.

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Despite his goalscoring exploits for Chelsea, including 22 goals in his first full season in 1961-62 and 37 the following year, he won just three caps for England and missed out on the 1966 World Cup-winning squad.

After Chelsea, he had a spell at London rivals Crystal Palace before finishing his career in Ireland, where he stayed following his retirement.

He settled in Cork and managed local sides Cork Celtic, Cork City and Crosshaven.

'A true legend and very special man'

In a statement on X, Crosshaven described him as a "true Chelsea legend and an even more wonderful human being" who had an "absolutely infectious" passion for football.

"Bobby leaves an enormous hole in all our lives. We are all better, kinder, and richer for having known him," it added.

"We have all lost a true legend and a very special man."

Tambling had been diagnosed with dementia.

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