Ken Bates: Former Chelsea chairman dies, aged 94 | OneFootball

Former Blues chairman bought the club for £1 in 1982 and helped guide them into the top flight and both domestic and European success

Former Chelsea owner and chairman Ken Bates has died at the age of 94.

Bates memorably bought Chelsea for a single pound in 1982 and became the third-longest chairman in Chelsea’s history, holding the position for 22 years.

Under Bates’s stewardship, Chelsea earned promotion to the English top flight and went on to win the FA Cup twice, and both the League Cup and Community Shield once.

Bates took the Blues towards the higher end of the Premier League before selling the club to Roman Abramovich in 2003 and then taking over at Leeds in 2005.

Chelsea released a statement on its website which 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.”

A statement from the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust read: “[We are] 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.”