Peter Leslie Osgood who grew up in Dedworth became a world-class footballer, a hero to Chelsea and Southampton football fans and an icon to a generation of schoolboys. He was a big, strong centre-forward who was also extremely skilful. Football was his game, but flair and fun was his aim. Even amongst peers such as George Best, Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore, Peter carved a niche, never forgotten by those who saw him play. At Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea Football Club, Osgood was king.
He was born to Les and Ivy Osgood in 1947 and grew up at 64, Kenton Lane, Dedworth. He was educated at Clewer Green junior school until the age of eleven when he attended Dedworth Secondary Modern School.
His footballing talent was already apparent and he was soon picked by local club Spital, playing alongside boys and men several years older than himself. In 1964 Chelsea Football Club scouted him and Peter made his first team debut in December of that year, scoring his first goal. His path was set and he spent the next ten years spearheading a flamboyant, dazzling Chelsea side, making 279 appearances, scoring 103 goals and capturing the spirit of the Swinging Sixties.
Along the way he won an FA Cup winners’ medal in 1970 and a European Cup Winners’ Cup medal the following year. He was capped by England only four times, which many found surprising and was part of the squad that unsuccessfully defended the World Cup in 1970.
In 1974 Peter was transferred to Southampton where he was part of their surprise FA Cup winning team of 1976.
Towards the end of his footballing career Peter played for the Philadelphia Furies in America and had a short-lived swansong at Chelsea. In retirement Peter built a second career as an amusing after-dinner speaker and also, for a while, was the publican of The Union Inn in Windsor alongside his former team-mate Ian Hutchinson. He didn’t lose his links with Dedworth and the Windsor area. Peter Osgood died in March 2006 from a heart attack following a family funeral at Slough Crematorium.
His memory is cemented at Stamford Bridge where a statue was erected in his honour. He is also remembered proudly by the people of Dedworth and surrounding areas because despite his outstanding achievements, he did not lose the common touch.
(Many thanks to Martin Knight for this account)