‘A TRUE Chelsea legend and an even more wonderful human being’ – that’s how Crosshaven AFC described Bobby Tambling following the announcement of his passing this week.

A Chelsea legend, Tambling was the Blues’ greatest goalscorer with 202 goals, a record he held for 45 years until overtaken by Frank Lampard in 2013.

He moved to Cork in the early 1970s, and in the 1980s made Crosshaven his home. Here, his connection to Crosshaven AFC began.

‘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,’ Crosshaven AFC explained.

‘His sons Gary and Glenn featured locally for a while, as did his partner Val’s son Jamie, now of course senior team assistant coach. 

‘For the next thirty years, on and off, Bobby was never far from our club with Val by his side.’

Tambling, 84, signed for Cork Celtic in 1973, and helped fire the club to their only league title triumph in 1973-74. The Chelsea great later stepped into the dugout as Cork City manager in 1984-85, their first season in the League of Ireland.

In loving memory of Bobby. 💙

Chelsea Football Club is inviting supporters to record their own messages and memories of one of our greatest goalscorers, Bobby Tambling.

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 4, 2026

‘A footballing icon, Bobby enjoyed an outstanding playing career in England, most notably with Chelsea, before later lining out for Cork Celtic. He went on to become manager of Cork City FC in our first season after the club’s foundation in 1984. Bobby’s contribution to football in Cork will not be forgotten,’ Cork City FC said.

Chelsea FC added: ‘Chelsea Football Club has very sadly lost one of our most legendary players with the passing of Bobby Tambling at the age of 84.

‘Tambling was one of the great goalscorers, the holder of the record for the most Chelsea goals for 45 years until his 202 were overtaken by Frank Lampard in 2013.

‘He was also part of a fashionable and exciting Chelsea team, a significant proportion of it homegrown, and he was a cup winner, helping the Blues to our first knockout trophy triumph, the League Cup in 1965.’