Ken Bates, the former owner and chairman of Chelsea Football Club, has died at the age of 94. Bates, who bought Chelsea for a single pound in 1982, served as chairman for 22 years, making him the third-longest in the club's history.
Bates' tenure at Chelsea
Under Bates' leadership, Chelsea rose through the divisions and established themselves in the Premier League. He sold the club to Roman Abramovich in 2003 for a reported £140 million, a move that transformed the club's fortunes. After leaving Chelsea, Bates went on to become chairman of Leeds United in 2005.
Club tribute
Chelsea released a statement on their official website expressing their sadness at Bates' passing. The 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.”
Legacy
Bates' impact on Chelsea was profound. He took over when the club was in financial difficulty and oversaw its revival, including the construction of the Chelsea Village complex and the development of the Stamford Bridge stadium. His sale to Abramovich paved the way for the club's subsequent success, including multiple Premier League titles and Champions League triumphs.
