When did Tommy Baldwin play for Chelsea?

When did Tommy Baldwin play for Chelsea? – Tommy Baldwin, born on June 10, 1945 and passed away on at the age of 78 on January 23, 2024, following a long illness played for Chelsea from September 1966 to 1974, making 187 appearances for the club.

He joined Chelsea from London rivals Arsenal in a part-exchange for George Graham.

Baldwin’s career at Chelsea was marked by several notable achievements:

• He scored his first goal for Chelsea in October 1966, away to Manchester City. In his debut season, he scored 17 goals.
• He played in the 1967 FA Cup final, which Chelsea lost to Tottenham.
• Baldwin helped Chelsea win the FA Cup in 1970, scoring twice in a 4-0 away win against Manchester United.
• He played a key role in Chelsea’s victory in the 1971 European Cup Winners’ Cup, scoring twice in a 4-0 away win against Manchester United.
• He also helped the club lift the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1971 by beating Real Madrid after a replay.

Baldwin was known for his ability to absorb tackles, which contributed to his nickname ‘The Sponge’.

After leaving Chelsea in the mid-1970s, Baldwin played for Millwall and Manchester United, and had a short spell in the United States.

He later worked as a coach at Brentford and often appeared at Stamford Bridge as a matchday host.