Superstar striker signed from Newcastle – Chelsea FC History

Hughie Gallacher

Chelsea have had a host of world famous superstars since the start of the Premier League and a reputation for signing famous strikers.

This trend goes back a long time and it can be traced back to Hughie Gallagher in the 1930’s who started the trend. Signed in 1930 Gallacher was a superstar signed from Newcastle United in part of a spending spree by manager David Calderhead that saw three big money Scotsmen join the club.

This move was a massive coup for Chelsea as the Scottish international was a star of the game and a true character and always in the news, although sometimes hit the headlines for his contempt for authority and maverick tendencies.

Gallacher was sold to Chelsea whilst playing in Scotland’s first ever game outside of Britain which saw him star on the pitch and get reprimanded off it for breaking a curfew.

Fate saw his second game for Chelsea as a trip to St James Park where a record 68,386 fans packed into St James Park to say goodbye to their former hero who is the most prolific goal scorer in their history with 143 goals from just 174 games.

Upon arriving at Chelsea he was just as prolific becoming the club’s top scorer in each of his four seasons at the club with a record of 81 goals in just 144 games.

Despite his goal scoring heroics Gallacher was known for his volatile nature and indiscipline which played a part in him leaving the club in 1934 to join Derby County.