Chelsea confirm passing of legendary forward Baldwin

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

The former Blues forward also represented Arsenal, Manchester United and Brentford during a 16-year playing career, while he also represented England at youth level. 

Baldwin's biggest success was in West London, where he notched 92 goals in 239 appearances. 

His first piece of silverware came courtesy of Chelsea's 1970 FA Cup final triumph over Leeds and, 12 months later, a second trophy arrived with a European Cup Winners' Cup victory against Real Madrid. 

Baldwin just missed out on lifting the League Cup in 1972 as the Blues were beaten by Stoke, while the Gateshead-born attacker would also go on to play for Seattle Sounders in the North American Soccer League.

A club statement said: "It is with enormous sadness that Chelsea announce 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." 

Well known in more recent years for his time around the club, the statement added: "Baldwin still lived close to Stamford Bridge and worked as a matchday host. 

"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." 

Fans took to social media to pay their respects following Baldwin's passing. 

The Chelsea Supporters' Trust wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tommy.

"The thoughts of the CST board and all our members around the world are with Tommy's family at this difficult time."