How we could have done with someone like Dave Webb last season ! The following article is from a 1970’s football magazine:
‘David Webb is the sort of player every manager likes to have on his side. The “over-my-dead-body” type. The non-stop battler. And, so valuably, a defender with the knack of scoring vital goals.
Like his unexpected score against Cologne last season to help QPR progress in the UEFA Cup. Or his counter against Arsenal that put QPR in the League Cup semi-final. But there was none to better the one he got for Chelsea against Leeds United in 1970 to take the FA Cup to Stamford Bridge for the first time.
In the first match, at Wembley, Webb took surely the biggest ‘roasting’ any player has ever had there. In the replay at Old Trafford he came roaring back with an outstanding game. And, in story-book style, scored the winning goal.
Early on in his career Webb was nicknamed ‘Desperate Dan’ – the man for all occasions. He has played in ten different positions – with the No.11 shirt the only one he has still to fill. And this includes a full 90 minutes in goal for Chelsea – with a blank sheet to show for it.’
Dave Webb was signed in July 1974 for ¬£120,000 and made his debut against Sheffield United the following month. His first goal for the R’s didn’t arrive until over a year later when he scored against Shrewsbury Town in a League Cup tie. Then a few days later he nabbed the winner against Manchester United at Loftus Road.
There were some memorable goals in his 11-goal tally for the R’s. Apart from that vital goal in December 1976 against Arsenal in the League Cup quarter-final, another one that sticks in my mind was his late winner in the home game against Stoke in November 1975 (and the wild celebrations in the Loft that ensued.) He also scored our goal in the 1-0 victory at the Victoria Ground in March.
He moved on to Leicester City in September 1977 for a fee of ¬£50,000 after making 147 league and cup appearances for the R’s.
Steve Russell
(The above stats are taken from Gordon Macey’s wonderful book: ‘The Complete Record’)