Ken Bates dead aged 94 as Chelsea pay tribute to former chairman
The ex-Stamford Bridge supremo bought Leeds united after leaving the Blues and once had a controlling stake in Partick Thistle
Former Chelsea chairman Ken Bates
Former Chelsea chairman Ken Bates has died aged 94.
The former Stamford Bridge chief passed away peacefully in his Monte Carlo home with his wife and family by his side.
Bates was the third longest serving chairman in the West London club’s history, holding his position for 22 years.
He oversaw promotion from the Second Division as well as two FA Cup triumphs for the Blues, and the 1997 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup success.
Bates was involved in the running of Oldham Athletic and Wigan Athletic while also purchasing a controlling interest in Partick Thistle in 1986 after buying Chelsea for just £1 four years earlier.
He sold his stake in toe club to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in the summer of 2003 and resigned as chairman eight months later.
He then bought financially stricken Leeds Utd in 2005, selling his stake in the Elland Road club to GFH Capital in December 2012.
A Chelsea 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.”
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