Les Stubbs, a member of Chelsea's 1955 league championship-winning team, has died at the age of 81.
1955 title winner passes at age of 81
Les Stubbs, a member of Chelsea's 1955 league championship-winning team, has died at the age of 81.
An inside-forward, Stubbs scored five goals in 27 appearances during the 1954/55 season, which saw the Blues win their first major trophy.
It took 50 years for Chelsea to win their next league title, and Stubbs was invited to the 2004/05 Premier League trophy presentation with the other surviving team-mates from 1954-55.
Stubbs spent six years at Stamford Bridge, scoring 35 goals in 123 appearances for the club, while starting and finishing his professional career with Southend.
Signed by Drake
Born in Great Wakering, Essex, he was signed by Ted Drake from Southend for £10,000 in November 1952.
He often found himself behind Seamus O'Connell in the pecking order during Chelsea's title-winning season but still made important contributions midway through the campaign, including a vital equaliser in a 4-3 win at defending champions Wolves.
Stubbs also helped the Blues win the 1955 Charity Shield before being sold back to Southend along with Alan Dicks for a combined £12,000 fee in 1958.
Chelsea expressed their deep sadness at Stubbs' passing and sent condolences to his family and friends.
