John Dempsey (15 March 1946 - 6 November 2024) was a professional footballer who played as a centre-back. He played for Fulham and Chelsea before moving to the United States to join Philadelphia Fury. He later played for Dundalk in Ireland. Born in England, he represented the Republic of Ireland at international level, earning 19 caps between 1966 and 1972.
Club career Dempsey began his career with Fulham, making 149 league appearances before joining West London rivals Chelsea in January 1969 for £70,000. Signed by manager Dave Sexton, he made his Chelsea debut in a 5–0 defeat away to Southampton on 1 February 1969 and established himself in the side during the remainder of the 1968–69 season.
Dempsey was part of the Chelsea side that won the FA Cup in 1970, playing in both final matches against Leeds United. The following year, Chelsea won the European Cup Winners' Cup, defeating Real Madrid 2–1 in the final replay in Athens. Dempsey scored the opening goal with a volley following a corner.
He remained at Chelsea during the club's more difficult period later in the decade, although injuries reduced his playing time. In March 1978, he moved to the Philadelphia Fury of the North American Soccer League, where he was reunited with former Chelsea teammate Peter Osgood.NASL statistics. Nasljerseys.com. Retrieved 1 June 2012. He was named the NASL Defender of the Year, finishing ahead of Franz Beckenbauer."Chelsea legend Dempsey still a star". This is local London. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
In the summer of 1976, while still a Chelsea player, Dempsey played in Canada's National Soccer League with the Serbian White Eagles, where he served as a player-coach. His spell with the club was cut short following a dispute over pay and housing arrangements.
Dempsey was appointed player-manager of Dundalk in August 1983. He made his League of Ireland debut against Sligo Rovers on 9 October, but left the club by mutual consent the following March after a series of confrontations with referees.
He also had spells managing Maidenhead United and Egham Town before retiring from football in 1984.
International career Dempsey represented the Republic of Ireland, for whom he qualified through his parents. He made 19 appearances between 1966 and 1972, scoring once. He became the first Republic of Ireland international to be sent off when he was dismissed against Hungary during 1970 FIFA World Cup qualification at the Népstadion.
Later life and death Dempsey was involved in local charity work and attended tributes to Peter Osgood at Stamford Bridge following Osgood's death.
After his playing career, Dempsey worked at a centre for people with learning difficulties in north London.
Dempsey died on 6 November 2024, at the age of 78.
Honours Chelsea FA Cup: 1969–70 European Cup Winners' Cup: 1970–71 Football League Cup runner-up: 1971–72
Individual NASL Defender of the Year
See also List of Republic of Ireland international footballers born outside the Republic of Ireland
References
External links