Lindy Delapenha enjoyed an outstanding career in England, especially at Middlesbrough, where he struck for 93 goal. (Photo courtesy of Middlesbrough Football Club)
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Retired Jamaican footballer Lloyd Lindbergh "Lindy" Delapenha passed away Thursday at 89-years-old.
Delapenha will be remembered for being the first Jamaica-born player to compete professionally in Europe and England. He was also the first Caribbean player to win the English League title, helping Portsmouth to top honors as a right winger in the 1948/49 and 1949/50 seasons.
In April 1950, he transferred to Middlesbrough, where his career thrived in a more advanced position. Delapenha played on the wing or inside-forward was Boro's leading scorer in the 1951/52, 1953/54 and 1955/56 seasons.
With Middlesbrough, he netted 93 goals in 270 appearances.
In England, Delapenha also played for Mansfield Town, Hereford United and Burton Albion.
After retiring from professional football in 1960, Delapenha went into sports broadcasting in Jamaica.
NOTES: Former England international John Barnes is the highest-ever scoring Jamaican-born player in England with 155 goals from 1981-99. Ricardo Fuller, however, has scored the most goals while playing in England of any Jamaica international, tallying 110 from 2001-16.
