Tosh Chamberlain


Trevor "Tosh" Chamberlain is an English former professional footballer playing at Outside Left, No. 11 shirt. Chamberlain began his career as a youth player with Middlesex and London and gained youth international honours for his country. He joined Fulham in 1952, where he made 204 first team appearances, scoring 64 goals before leaving for Dover Athletic in 1965. He finished his professional career at Gravesend and Northfleet.

Career

Chamberlain was born in King Cross, London., and as a youth joined the local boys club, The Mary Ward Settlement in Bloomsbury, where he played in the London Federation of Boys Club Leagues. He was also a schoolboy international before signing for Fulham. After spending his youth career in London and Middlesex, Chamberlain signed for Fulham in 1954, encouraging his schoolboy friend Johnny Haynes to join him there. He made his debut in November that year. Two years later after his National Service, in Chamberlain's first team game in 1954, with his first kick in the very first minute, he scored a goal against Lincoln City. Next season, he even postponed his wedding day in order to play against Newcastle United in pouring rain in the 4th round of the F.A. Cup. Tosh scored a hat trick and in the best tradition of Fulham's greatest games, they eventually lost, 4–5. His last game was in a FA Cup 3rd round replay at Millwall on 11 January 1965.

Playing style and legacy

Trevor was a maverick of a player on the left wing and much loved by Fulham supporters - because he wasn't 'perfect'. He made a great partnership on the field with his long-term friend Johnny Haynes. Tosh was renowned for his thunderous kick, a toe-punt once caught by Gordon Banks forced him over the goalline, causing an own goal. Another time, a back pass to his goalie, Tony Macedo resulted in broken ribs. He famously stopped in mid game once in order to ask for a quick puff from a supporter's cigarette, before continuing play.
He was one of the most beloved of all the Fulham characters of the 1950s and 1960s and his exploits thrilled the fans as much as they often exasperated Haynes, who was always a perfectionist. As Max Miller might have said, "There'll never be another".

Since retirement

Since retiring from football, Chamberlain worked for Richmond Park authorities in the 1980s and '90s. He also worked as a sports instructor at Elliott School in Putney. He is frequently seen at Craven Cottage and continues to support Fulham FC.

Career statistics