History

Philadelphia Fury defender John Dempsey (1946-2024)

Published

1 month ago

December 4, 2024

Former Chelsea and Ireland international defender John Dempsey died last month at the age of 78.

Though far better known on the other side of the pond for his exploits at Fulham and Chelsea (where he won an FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup) Dempsey made his mark on American soccer playing on the Asroturf at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia for three seasons from 1978-1980.

His 1979 season was the most significant of the three with the 33-year-old earning NASL Co-Defender of the Year honors after helping lead the team to the playoffs.

Dempsey made 81 appearances for the Fury over three seasons before finishing his career with Dundalk in the Republic of Ireland. He earned 19 caps for the Republic of Ireland in his international career which was well in the rearview by the time he arrived in Philadelphia.

The Guardian has more on the life and career of Dempsey in this tribute.

Related Topics:John Dempsey NASL Philadelphia Fury

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Matthew Ralph

Matthew Ralph is the managing editor of Philadelphia Soccer Now. He's covered soccer at all levels for a decade in the Philadelphia region and has also written for TheCup.us, NPSL, PrepSoccer and other publications. He lives with his wife and two young children in Broomall, Pa., but grew up in South Jersey and is originally from Kansas.