Tommy Baldwin dead aged 78: Tributes pour in for Chelsea icon after passing away following long illness

CHELSEA icon Tommy Baldwin has died at the age of 78.

The former forward also played for Arsenal, Manchester United and Brentford during an illustrious career.

Chelsea icon Tommy Baldwin has died aged 78Rex

The former forward also played for Man Utd and ArsenalRex

Baldwin passed away after a long battle with illness.

Chelsea confirmed in a touching statement: “It is with enormous sadness that Chelsea Football Club announces the passing today at the age of 78 of our former forward Tommy Baldwin, following a long illness.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to Tommy’s family and friends.”

Baldwin played for Chelsea between 1966 and 1974 after featuring 17 times for boyhood club Arsenal.

He netted 73 goals in 187 games for the Blues, gaining a reputation as a fearsome sharpshooter as well as a hard-working teammate.

Baldwin lifted the FA Cup in 1970 following the two-tie epic against Leeds.

The following year, he helped Chelsea beat Real Madrid to win the Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup.

But Baldwin’s time at Stamford Bridge ended in 1974 after falling out with then-manager Dave Sexton.

Baldwin joined Chelsea from Arsenal in 1966Rex

He scored 73 goals in 187 games during an eight-year spellRex

He took in brief loan spells at Millwall and Man United, making a combined eight appearances, before dipping into non-league football with Gravesend & Northfleet.

Baldwin then enjoyed some time in America with the Seattle Sounders before returning to England two years later with Brentford.

He went on to become a coach at Griffin Park before stepping away from football.

And most recently Baldwin was a regular face at Stamford Bridge, where he often worked as a match-day host.

Despite his club achievements, he was never capped for England.

GettyBaldwin won the FA Cup and Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup at Stamford Bridge[/caption]

He played for Man Utd, Millwall and Brentford after leaving ChelseaPA:Empics Sport

But he did make two appearances for his country’s U23s side.

And tributes poured in from the world of football following the news of Baldwin’s passing.

The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust said: “We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tommy Baldwin.

“The thoughts of the CST board & all our members around the world are with Tommy’s family at this difficult time.”

One fan noted: “RIP Tommy Baldwin, you will always be the leader of the team.”

Another declared: “God rest the leader of the gang. RIP the great Tommy Baldwin.”

One added: “So sad that we lost Tommy today, as the song said the leader of the finest Chelsea team in history, a side with a swagger that has never been seen since.”

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