‘A true legend and a very special man’

Former Chelsea FC record scorer and Cork City FC manager Bobby Tambling has died at the age of 84.

After a lengthy career playing for Chelsea, Crystal Palace and England, he moved to Cork in 1973 to play for Cork Celtic. The English-born man played for Cork Celtic until 1977, who he also managed, before then turning out for Waterford, Shamrock Rovers and Cork Alberts. He managed Cork City during their first season in the League of Ireland in 1984-85. He has been involved with Crosshaven AFC for decades.

The striker scored 202 goals from 370 games for Chelsea between 1959 and 1970, a record that was only surpassed by Frank Lampard in May 2013.

A statement on the Chelsea website said: “Chelsea Football Club has very sadly lost one of our most legendary players with the passing of Bobby Tambling at the age of 84. We send our deepest condolences to Bobby's family and friends at this difficult time.”

A spokesperson for the Tambling family said: “We are heartbroken to announce the death of Bobby. He died peacefully, surrounded by his beloved Val, Jamie, Frankie and Adelaide. We are so thankful for the fabulous care Bobby has had these last few years in the CareChoice Home in Montenotte as he fought his hardest battle with dementia. He leaves us with a wealth of fabulous memories. “Football was his life and Chelsea was his forever home, there was no place he was happier than being at Stamford Bridge talking football with the fans. We will miss him beyond words.”

Crosshaven tribute

Crosshaven AFC where Bobby was manager and where his sons played, posted a long tribute to the much-loved Englishman, who died last Wednesday week and was cremated on Monday.

They called him “a true Chelsea legend and an even more wonderful human being”.

“Bobby came to Cork in the 1970s after his time at Crystal Palace, and he fell deeply in love with the place. But it was Crosshaven that truly captured his heart. In the 1980s he settled here and made it his home. He scored on his debut as a 17 year old and won the League Cup in 1965, scoring in the final.

“He became Cork City’s very first manager before taking the reins of our senior team in 1985, guiding us with pride and passion to our one and only appearance in the FAI Senior Cup the following year. His sons Gary and Glenn featured for a while as did his partner Val’s son Jamie.

“For the next thirty years, on and off, Bobby was never far from our club with Val by his side. Even when his health was failing, he still wanted to be on the sidelines — coaching, encouraging, and sharing his endless love for the game. His passion for football was absolutely infectious.

“In London, Bobby was a superstar. 202 goals for his beloved Chelsea — a record that stood for decades until Frank Lampard came along. He loved returning to the Bridge, where he was worshipped.”

“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.

“We have all lost a true legend, and a very special man. Rest in peace, Bobby. You will never be forgotten.”