Tragic news emerged from London on Saturday, as Chelsea announced that Bobby Campbell, the club's manager from 1988 to 1991, passed away at the age of 78.
Campbell guided Chelsea to promotion from the Second Division in 1989, kicking off a stint in the top flight of English football that the Blues still hold. In the following season, he piloted the club to a fifth-place finish, its highest position in 20 years.
"All at the club send our deepest condolences to Bobby's family and friends and our players will wear black armbands in his memory at today's game at Stoke (City)," wrote Chelsea in a statement.
Chelsea was very close to Bobby Campbell’s heart and he will always be close to ours. pic.twitter.com/eUD5GWzthv
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 7, 2015
Also managed by Campbell were Queens Park Rangers, Arsenal, and Fulham, all of whom expressed sadness at his passing, among other clubs.
#QPR are saddened to hear of the passing of former assistant manager Bobby Campbell, who has died at the age of 78. pic.twitter.com/O2JyriRF9s
— QPR FC (@QPRFC) November 7, 2015
Everyone at @Arsenal send their thoughts and wishes to family and friends of former first-team coach Bobby Campbell following his sad death.
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) November 7, 2015
Everyone at Fulham Football Club was saddened to learn of the passing of former coach and manager Bobby Campbell pic.twitter.com/Nmav53AAO2
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) November 6, 2015