Ken Bates dies aged 94 as Chelsea pay tribute to legendary former owner who bought club for £1
Everybody affiliated with Chelsea have been left in a state of mourning after the death of former Blues owner Ken Bates was announced
Ken Bates has passed away(Image: 2019 Robin Jones)
Former Chelsea owner Ken Bates has passed away at the age of 94 years old. In 1982, Bates famously purchased the club for £1, taking on £2million worth of debt in the process.
In 2003, Bates went on to sell the Blues to Roman Abramovich for £140m, which was the biggest takeover in football history at the time. One of his most significant acts as the owner of the club came in 1993, when he created the Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO).
This protected Stamford Bridge from property developers. He then facilitated a £10m loan from the club in 1997 that enabled the CPO to purchase the stadium freehold, the pitch itself and the name of the club.
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After Abramovich bought the tean, Bates remained in his post for another eight months before handing in his resignation. He would then buy Leeds United in 2005, before selling it in 2012. Bates’ death was confirmed today by the club.
A statement from Chelsea website said: “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 have also said: “The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Chelsea owner and chairman, Ken Bates. 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.”
Bates passed away in his home in Monaco, where he was surrounded by friends and family, including his wife Suzannah. In his time as owner, John Neal, John Hollins, Bobby Campbell, Ian Porterfield and David Webb served as manager of the west Londoners.
But one of his most famous appointments was the brave call to hand the Chelsea job to a young Glen Hoddle, who overhauled and revolutionised several parts of the club. Ruud Gullit, Gianluca Vialli and Claudio RanierI also took charge, with Gullit ending a 26-year wait for a trophy by winning the FA Cup in 1997.
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