How Chelsea supporters can honour club legend Bobby Tambling at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea have announced that fans can pay tribute to club legend Bobby Tambling at Stamford Bridge, after the former Blues striker passed away at the age of 84 earlier this month.

The club have roped off an area at the south end of Stamford Bridge in front of a plaque dedicated to Tambling where fans can leave physical tributes.

Chelsea open Bobby Tambling tribute area at Stamford Bridge

Tambling's Chelsea career spanned the entire 1960s and he was the club's all-time leading scorer for 47 years, having bagged 202 goals in all competitions.

The England international helped Chelsea win the League Cup in 1965, scoring the opening goal in a 3-2 aggregate victory over Leicester City that was the club's first domestic knockout trophy win.

Tambling's goalscoring record stood until 2013 when Frank Lampard surpassed him and he was honoured by the club that same year, receiving a massive ovation as he was brought on the pitch at half time during a win over Swansea City.

Announcing his passing, a spokesperson for the Tambling family said there was “no place he was happier” than Stamford Bridge.

“We are heartbroken to announce the death of Bobby,” they said. “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.”

In 2019, Tambling won a fan vote and a tribute plaque was added to the Shed Wall at Stamford Bridge and any supporters who want to honour him can visit that area.

In a statement, Chelsea said: “An area is roped off in front of Bobby’s tribute plaque on the Shed Wall at the south end of the stadium site, close to the Megastore.

“Fans are welcome to lay flowers, scarves, written messages etc. there. Bobby was one of the most prolific goalscorers in Chelsea history and his 202-goal total was the club’s highest before being surpassed by Frank Lampard.

“His place on the Shed Wall was the result of a fan vote seven years ago. Anyone wishing to pay tribute or leave memories who cannot visit Stamford Bridge can do so via an online book of condolence.”

FGG Says: A classy move for a true Chelsea legend

Tambling is a genuine Chelsea icon and it is a great move to allow fans to leave tributes to the Blues legend at Stamford Bridge, the place where he scored the majority of his 202 goals for the club.

Hopefully the club will also pay tribute to Tambling at their first game back at Stamford Bridge next season as he truly deserves it.