Focus On; David Webb

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Bio:

It was with Chelsea that Webb really made his name in football, in particular for his role in Chelsea’s win in the 1970 FA Cup final against Leeds United at Old Trafford. During the first game at Wembley, Webb, playing at right-back, had a nightmare and was tormented throughout the match by the nimble and tricky Leeds winger Eddie Gray as Chelsea were somewhat fortunate to emerge with a 2–2 draw. Manager Dave Sexton made a tactical switch for the replay, moving Webb to the centre to partner John Dempsey while the more uncompromising Ron Harris was detailed to mark Gray. Webb – and Chelsea overall – performed markedly better in the replay and it was he who proved the unlikely hero, heading in the winner from an Ian Hutchinson throw-in in extra time.

The following year Chelsea beat Real Madrid in another replay to win the European Cup Winners Cup. Although he spent much of his Chelsea career as a right back, he also played in central defence (his original position) and occasionally as a centre forward, once hitting a hat-trick against Ipswich Town in December 1968. He wore every shirt from 1 to 12 at Chelsea, except number 11. Ipswich were once again witness to his versatility when he played as a goalkeeper for an entire match, on 27 December 1971, keeping a clean sheet in the process, and then scored two goals in the return fixture as a centre forward in March 1972.

Factfile:

  • Full Name: David James Webb
  • Position: Defender
  • Date of Birth: 09.04.1946
  • Birthplace: Strafford, Essex
  • Nation: England
    • Full Caps: –
  • Major League Career
    • 1963-66, Leyton Orient (62/3)
    • 1966-68, Southampton (75/2)
    • 1968-74, Chelsea (230/21)
    • 1974-77, Queens Park Rangers (116/7)
    • 1977-78, Leicester City (33/0)
    • 1978-80, Derby County (26/1)
  • More Facts
  • Photo Gallery

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