Frank Blunstone

Infobox Football biography
playername = Frank Blunstone


fullname =
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1934|10|17|df=y
cityofbirth = Crewe
countryofbirth = England
dateofdeath =
cityofdeath =
countryofdeath =
height =
nickname =
position = Winger
currentclub =
youthyears =
youthclubs =
years = 1951-53
1953-64
clubs = Crewe Alexandra
Chelsea
caps(goals) = 048 (12)
317 (47)
nationalyears = 1954-56
nationalteam = England
nationalcaps(goals) = 5 (0)
manageryears = 1969-73
1984
managerclubs = Brentford
Brentford

Frank Blunstone (born 17 October 1934 in Crewe) is an English former footballer who played for Crewe Alexandra and Chelsea as an outside left. He was once described by Jimmy Greaves as having a heart the size of a cabbage.

After surprisingly rejecting Wolverhampton Wanderers in favour of his home-town club, he signed professional terms with Crewe in early 1952. Following a string of impressive performances in Division Three North, he was signed by Chelsea manager Ted Drake for £7,500 a year later while still doing national service.

He made his Chelsea debut in a 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, at White Hart Lane in Fenruary 1953, scoring the decisive third goal. His early years at the club saw little success for the team, but in 1954-55 Chelsea became First Division champions, with Blunstone an important part of the side, though he continued to juggle appearances for Chelsea with his national service.

He remained a key player at Chelsea for the rest of career and was an ever-present in the side, though a broken leg cost him much of his pace. The club were unable to repeat their Championship success, however, and thereafter flirted with relegation. He featured in what was perhaps the club's lowest point in this period, being knocked out of the FA Cup in the 3rd round by his old side, Crewe. In spite of this, he linked up well with Chelsea's emerging young attacking players, notably Jimmy Greaves and later Bobby Tambling, and helped the club gain instant promotion back to the First Division in 1963. But a second broken leg forced his premature retirement.

Blunstone won five England caps between 1954 and 1956. He made his debut against Wales, creating two goals for team-mate Roy Bentley in a 3-2 win. He also played in England's famous 7-2 win over Scotland at Wembley.

He retired from football in 1964 aged only 30, having made 347 appearances for Chelsea and scored 54 goals, and immediately joined the Chelsea coaching staff. He was later appointed Brentford manager in 1969 and led the team to the 5th round of the FA Cup in 1971 and promotion to the Third Division a year later. After a disagreement with the chairman, he joined Manchester United as assistant to his old boss at Chelsea, Tommy Docherty. Blunstone later had a brief spell as manager of Derby County.

He continues to live in his home town of Crewe.

External links

* [http://iccheshireonline.icnetwork.co.uk/crewealexandra/news/tm_objectid=15731693&method=full&siteid=50020&headline=alex-legend-aids-athlete-s-mission--name_page.html Alex legend aids athlete's mission]