Former Chelsea forward Tommy Baldwin has sadly passed away at the age of 78 after a long illness.
The club announced the news on their website on Monday night, writing: ‘We send our heartfelt condolences to Tommy’s family and friends.’
Born in Gateshead in 1945, Baldwin enjoyed a 16-year playing career that spanned from 1962 to 1978.
He would begin his professional career with Arsenal, before signing for Chelsea in 1966.
The forward made his competitive debut for the west London side the same year at the age of 21, scoring during a 4-1 win against Manchester City.
Former Chelsea forward Tommy Baldwin has sadly passed away at the age of 78
Baldwin joined Chelsea in 1966 and went on to score 92 goals across 239 appearances
Baldwin had recently worked as a matchday host for Chelsea and had lived close by to Stamford Bridge
He would go on to score 92 goals in 239 appearances for the football club before making his last appearance for Chelsea in 1974, where he was loaned out to Milwall.
Baldwin would also spend time on loan with Man United before moving to play for the Seattle Sounders in 1975.
Tributes have been pouring in from football fans, with many Chelsea supporters taking to social media to pay their respects to Baldwin.
Chelsea Supporters Trust wrote on X (formerly Twitter): ‘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.’
Author Martin Knight wrote on social media: ‘Tommy Baldwin aka “Sponge” has left us. A great fan favourite at Stamford Bridge.
‘Despite the overwhelming presence of [Charlie] Cooke, [Alan] Hudson & [Peter] Osgood, the fans knew his value, anointing him “the leader of the team”. Ossie, Charlie & Huddy adored him, as did women.’
‘A player who lived…’
He went on to win the 1970 FA Cup with Chelsea, here pictured with the trophy and goalkeeper Peter Bonetti
Chelsea announced his passing on Monday night writing on the club’s website ‘We send our heartfelt condolences to Tommy’s family and friends.’
Baldwin would return to the UK where he would finish his playing career with Brentford, hanging up his boots in 1978.
Recently Baldwin worked as a matchday host at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea writing he was ‘always happy for the chance to reunite with team-mates with whom he shared such glorious times and meet fans who had enjoyed them so much.’
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