Chelsea Legends - Profiles of the Greatest Players and Managers of Chelsea Football Club

The greatest players in the history of Chelsea Football Club? We could debate that one for hours. Here's what I think(I haven't considered current players so JT and Lamps, are not included, although they'll surely be a shoe-in for any all-time greats list);

• Roy Bentley(Striker, 1948-1956)
• Appearances: 367
• Goals: 150

Bentley joined Chelsea from Newcastle in 1948, and went on to captain the Blues to their first league championship in 1955. A quick and skilfull forward with excellent ability in the air. Top scorer in each of his eight seasons at the club. He moved to Fulham in 1956, and later managed Reading and Swansea.

• Bobby Tambling(Striker, 1958-1970)
• Appearances: 370
• Goals: 202

Prolific striker with great acceleration and a fantastic left foot, Tambling is Chelsea’s all time record goal scorer. Captained Tommy Docherty’s young side to promotion in 1962-63, and scored in the 3-2 League Cup final defeat of Leicester City in 1965. Left for Crystal Palace in 1970.

• Jimmy Greaves
• (Striker, 1957-1961)
• Appearances: 169
• Goals: 132

His record of 357 goals in 514 league games speaks for itself. Speed, the ability to beat an opponent, and the knack of stealing into space brought him goals at every level. Three times he scored 5 in a match for Chelsea, and he finished top scorer in each of his 4 seasons at the club. Moved to AC Milan in 1961, and to Spurs the following season.

• Peter Bonetti (Goalkeeper, 1959-1979)
• Appearances: 729

Known as “the “Cat” because of his wonderful agility and safe handling, Bonetti was a key member of the cup winning sides in 1965, 1970 and 1971. Joining the club as a junior in 1959 he went on to play 729 games for Chelsea.

• Charlie Cooke (Winger, 1966-1972 & 1974-1978)
• Appearances: 373
• Goals: 30

One of the most skillful players ever to play for Chelsea. An orthodox winger with great dribbling skills, Cooke was a member of the 1970 and 1971 cup winning teams. He left to join Crystal Place in 1972, returning 16 months later to play some of his best football for the Blues.

• Ron Harris (Defender, 1961-1980)
• Appearances: 795
• Goals: 14

A Chelsea Football Club stalwart. For 19 seasons “Chopper” was the dominant figure in the Blues defense. Captained the cup final teams in ’67, ’70, and ’71. A formidable player renowned for his tough tackling, he holds the club record for most appearances.

• Peter Osgood (Striker, 1964-1974 & 1978-1979)
• Appearances: 380
• Goals: 150

Immensely talented player who was a member of the cup winning teams in 1970, and 1971. Ossie is one of only 9 players to have scored in every round of the FA Cup. Moved to Southampton in 1974 but returned to Chelsea for a second stint in 1978. Passed away on 1 March 2006 but will forever be remembered by Chelsea Football Club fans as the “King of Stamford Bridge”.

• Ray Wilkins (Midfield, 1973-1979)
• Appearances: 198
• Goals: 34

A gifted central midfielder renowned for the range an accuracy of his passing, Wilkins was Chelsea’s youngest ever captain at the age of just 19. He gained 24 England caps at Chelsea before his transfer to Manchester United in 1979. Currently an assistant to Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti.

• Kerry Dixon (Striker, 1983 to 1992)
• Appearances: 420
• Goals: 193

Tall, athletic striker with pace, good heading ability and effective with both feet Dixon is Chelsea’s second highest scorer of all time. Signed from Reading in August 1983 and was the club’s highest scorer in seven of eight seasons during the eighties and early nineties.

• Dennis Wise (Midfield, 1990 to 2001)
• Appearances: 445
• Goals: 76

A combative midfielder whose Chelsea career spanned 11 years. Captained Chelsea Football Club to the FA Cup in 1997 and 2000, the League Cup in 1998 and the European Cup Winners Cup in 1998. Moved to Leicester in 2001, and later managed Millwall to the FA Cup final.

• Gianfranco Zola (Striker, 1996 to 2003)
• Appearances: 312
• Goals: 80

The prodigiously talented Italian was signed from Parma in 1996. He was an immediate hit, helping Chelsea win the FA Cup and winning FWA Footballer of the Year in his first season. Also won the League Cup, the Cup Winners Cup, European Super Cup, and another FA Cup during his time at Chelsea. Joined his home town club, Cagliari, in 2003. Voted Chelsea Football Club greatest ever player.

• Jose Mourinho (Manager, 2004 to 2007)
• Record: P-185 W-124 D-40 L-21

Outspoken, and often controversial, Mourinho joined Chelsea in 2004. In his first season he ended the Blues 50 year wait for the title. The following season he retained the Premier league, and in 2007 won a FA Cup/League Cup double. Despite his achievements, a strained relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich led to his departure “by mutual consent” just 6 games into the 2007/2008 season.