Ounder who went on to become a Chelsea legend
D lad Tommy a place at St 56 after passing and played his ary status in the orld. t Aidan’s he tried ost sports including cross- country and d at the high- jump t- trick in a cricket said Mick. ayed football, of as a member of the s fond memories of ams, who coached much enjoyed his am.” an apprentice ner awaited Tommy after he left St Aidan’s in July 1959, although he continued his sporting activities with a place on Wrekenton Juniors team.
“He was doing ship repair works at a yard in Dunston at the time, but was being watched by several professional clubs. Eventually he signed for Arsenal for £ 20 a week wages,” said Mick.
Tommy turned professional in 1962, making his league début in a 3- 0 defeat over Birmingham City in April 1965. In September 1966 he scored Arsenal’s first ever goal in the League Cup competition.
“Shortly after this he left Arsenal for Chelsea, in an exchange involving George Graham. George was later to become a legendary manager for Arsenal,” said Mick.
Playing in an attacking role, Tommy scored 17 goals in his first Chelsea season – including one on his début against Manchester City – and also played in the 1967 FA Cup Final, which Chelsea lost.
“Tommy was a front runner whose high work rate was rewarded with two England Under- 23 caps, when he played against Italy and Germany on a 1968 summer tour,” said Mick.
“Although he was on the losing side in the 1967 FA Cup Final, he was successful just a few years later, when Chelsea beat Leeds United 2- 1 in a replay to win the cup in 1970.”
But thigh and Achilles tendon trouble, combined with a loss of form and disagreements with the club manager, saw his playing opportunities reduced over the next season.
After spells on loan at Manchester United, Millwall and non- league Gravesend & Northfleet, Tommy eventually joined the coaching staff at Brentford.
“He made a total of 239 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 91 goals,” said Mick. “After retiring from English football he went on to play for the Seattle Sounders in the North American Soccer League.”