47. David Webb: 1968-74
David Webb is a remarkable footballer, not just for his defensive acumen as a fullback, but for his incredible versatility. Football was certainly a different game in the 1970’s and positional changes were more commonplace but not many could play all over the pitch like David Webb.
The Stratford native played primarily as a fullback but also played as a central defender, a center forward, and even a goalkeeper for Chelsea during his career. As a striker, Webb notched a hat-trick in the league in 1968 and also kept a clean sheet as a keeper three years later in 1971. Imagine Thibaut Courtois playing striker or Branislav Ivanovic wearing the number one shirt in the modern game!
Webb is also a cult hero at Stamford Bridge for his performance in the famous 1970 FA Cup Final against Leeds United. Deployed as a center back, Webb rose up and headed home Ian Hutchinson’s long throw in extra time to capture the first FA Cup in club history. He also helped the Blues win their first European trophy in 1971 as they defeated Real Madrid in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
In a common theme in this list, Webb went on to manage Chelsea but only on an interim basis in 1993. He helped the club stay in the Premier League after an awful start to the domestic season but was not offered an extension.
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