Tributes flood in for Former Chelsea forward Tommy Baldwin following his death at the age of 78

Former Chelsea forward Tommy Baldwin has sadly passed away, aged 78Tributes have flooded in with many fans paying tribute to the late Chelsea star

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 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 before going on to score 92 goals in 239 appearances

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…’

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