Former Leeds and Chelsea chairman Ken Bates dies aged 94 as tributes pour in | OneFootball

Ken Bates, the former chairman of Leeds United and Chelsea, has died aged 94. Chelsea announced his death in a statement on Saturday, offering condolences to his wife Suzannah, family and friends, and praising his determination and trophy-winning drive.

Bates began his executive career in the north of England, serving as Oldham Athletic chairman for five years in the 1960s. He later worked with Freddie Pye at Wigan Athletic from 1980 to 1982, then in 1982 assumed control at Chelsea for a symbolic £1 and cleared £2m of debt.

He sold Chelsea to Roman Abramovich in 2003 for £140m, then the biggest takeover in football. Seeking a fresh challenge, he bought a 50 per cent stake in Leeds in 2005 as the club struggled in the Championship.

Leeds entered administration in 2007 and were relegated to League One. Bates became sole owner in 2011, then sold to GFH Capital in 2012, with the buyers taking a 100 per cent stake.

Tributes from supporters praised his fighting spirit, his role in saving Chelsea from peril and the changes he later brought at Elland Road. Leeds are yet to comment on his passing.

Source: Leeds Live