David Webb

Leyton Orient and Southampton

David Webb was born in Stratford (then in Essex) and began his career as an amateur with West Ham United, but on failing to make the grade joined Leyton Orient in May 1963. His league debut came in the 1964–65 season, launching what would be a long career in league football. In March 1966, after 62 games (3 goals) for Orient, he moved to Southampton, with George O'Brien going in the opposite direction. He scored twice in 75 games for the Saints, including a goal on his debut to equalise in a vital 1–1 draw at promotion rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers, before joining Chelsea in February 1968.

Chelsea

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…

AFC Bournemouth

He played only 11 times for Bournemouth, but in December 1980 was appointed manager, guiding them to promotion to the third division in 1982. He held the position until 10 February 1982, when he was sacked after a dispute with the chairman over new ownership of the club. His successor was Don Megson.

Torquay United

In February 1984, after a spell out of the game working as a self-employed salesman, he was appointed manager of Torquay United in succession to Bruce Rioch. At the end of the 1983–84 season, Torquay finished ninth in the Fourth Division and were looking to progress. The following season they finished bottom and Webb himself was forced out of retirement, scoring once in his two league appearances that season. On 21 August 1985, Webb became managing director at Torquay, appointing first John Sims and then Stuart Morgan to manage the team. Torquay finished bottom again the following season, but were re-elected to the Football League in the season before automatic relegation was introduced.

Southend United

Webb left Torquay to manage Southend United, another Fourth Division side, on 17 June 1986. He left in March 1987, just weeks before they won promotion to the Third Division. He was re-appointed in November 1988 but couldn't save the club from relegation back to the Fourth Division. He guided Southend to promotion from the old Fourth Division in 1990 and from the Third Division a year later, taking them into the Second…

Webb's son Daniel also became a professional footballer. He also has two adopted children.

Chelsea

FA Cup: 1969–70 1970-71: Cup Winners Cup.