PETER OSGOODDubbed ‘the King of Stamford Bridge’ Peter Osgood who died on 1 March, 2006, aged 59 is believed by many Blues fans to be the club’s greatest ever player.
During his 10-year spell in west London the 6’2 forward scored 150 goals in 380 appearances.
However, despite his undoubted prowess in front of goal Mr Osgood was never to enjoy the same success with England winning only four caps during his 15-year career.
One of the most loved characters of his generation and still the only player to score in every round of the FA Cup in one season, he was as likely to be seen skipping his way down London’s affluent King’s Road as much as the right wing at the Bridge.
Peter Leslie Osgood was born at Windsor on 20 February 1947. He trained as a bricklayer but his real passion was for the beautiful game.
After writing to Reading for a trial and having been offered one at Arsenal, his uncle arranged for the 18-year-old to try his luck with Tommy Docherty’s Chelsea in 1964.
He was successful and made his debut that same year in a League Cup tie at the Bridge against Workington Town. The youngster scored twice and instantly earned himself a place in the hearts of the home faithful.
Mr Osgood had made a blistering start to his career but it turned sour in 1966 after he broke his leg in a challenge with Emlyn Hughes then playing for Blackpool.
The injury robbed him of his legendary pace forcing him to adapt his game. A change which his manager Tommy Docherty, who had once had to suspend the striker for drinking the night before a game, believed led to him becoming more responsible.
He engraved his place in Chelsea’s history in 1970 after firing in 31 goals across the season and a goal in every round of their FA Cup triumph over Leeds United. However England manager Alf Ramsey never took to the marksman and awarded him only two substitute appearances for the then World champions at the World Cup in Mexico in 1970.
The following season proved to be just as memorable on the domestic scene as he scored both goals in the Blues’ 2-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid in the European Cup Winners Cup Final.
After the success in 70 and 71 his relationship with then Chelsea manager Dave Sexton began to deteriorate and in 1974 he was sold to Southampton who were relegated in his first season with the club.
He led the south coast side to an FA Cup final victory over Manchester United in 1976 and to promotion the following season but it was to be his final high.
Mr Osgood ended his career back at Chelsea after spells with Norwich and Philadelphia Fury in the United States.
He died after collapsing while attending a funeral but his love of the Kings Road and all it’s trappings had provided him and his audiences with some fascinating stories.
After finally reaching 100 goals for the club he said: “I did a lap of honour, then raced down to the dressing room to be - as I thought - carried shoulder-high by the lads. I walked in and no one took a blind bit of notice. No wonder. Steve McQueen was sitting there."
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