Oldham Athletic have paid tribute to the club's former chairman and owner Ken Bates following his death at the age of 94. Bates, best known for his transformative tenure at Chelsea, also had a significant impact during his five years at Boundary Park after buying the Latics in 1965.
Bates' Early Football Career and Oldham Athletic
Bates purchased Oldham Athletic in 1965 and served as chairman for five years. During his time at the helm, he helped stabilize the club before moving on to other ventures. He later spent a short period as part-owner of Wigan Athletic. In a statement released today, Oldham Athletic expressed their sorrow: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of our former chairman, Ken Bates, aged 94. We send our thoughts and condolences to Ken's family and friends at this time."
Chelsea's Transformation Under Bates
Bates famously bought Chelsea for £1 in 1982 when the club was in dire financial straits, taking on around £2 million of debt. He immediately saved Chelsea's future and kept them in the old Division Two before turning the club's fortunes around. Under his 22-year leadership, Chelsea were promoted to the top flight and won the FA Cup twice in 1997, ending a 26-year wait for major silverware. They also secured the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Community Shield, and the Full Members' Cup twice. Bates sold Chelsea to Roman Abramovich for £140 million in 2003.
Controversies and Later Years
Bates' time at Chelsea was not without controversy. In 1985, he angered supporters by installing a 12-foot-high, 12-volt electric perimeter fence at Stamford Bridge to deter pitch invaders, though it was never activated after Greater London Council intervened on safety grounds. After leaving Chelsea, Bates took a 50% stake in Leeds United in 2005, serving as chairman for seven years before selling the club in 2012.
Tributes from Chelsea and Supporters
Chelsea announced that Bates died peacefully on Saturday morning in Monaco, surrounded by his wife and family. The club's statement read: "It is with great sadness that we share the news of the loss of Ken Bates, former owner and chairman of Chelsea Football Club. The club sends our heartfelt condolences to Ken’s wife Suzannah, the rest of his family and his friends. Ken’s determination to fight for Chelsea when times were tough, and drive the team on to winning trophies will never be forgotten."
The Chelsea Supporters' Trust also expressed deep sadness, stating: "Ken was one of the most significant figures in Chelsea Football Club’s modern history. Taking charge during one of the club’s most difficult periods, he played a defining role in securing the club’s future at Stamford Bridge and helping lay the foundations for the success that followed. His impact on Chelsea will be remembered for generations, and his place in the club’s history is assured. The thoughts of the CST board & all our members around the globe are with Ken’s family, friends and all those who knew him. Thank You, Ken."
