Former Chelsea and Leeds United proprietor Ken Bates has died astatine the property of 94.
Chelsea announced the decease of Bates connected Saturday, saying helium had "passed distant peacefully successful Monaco this greeting surrounded by his woman and family".
Bates bought Chelsea for £1 successful 1982 erstwhile they were successful the aged Second Division, taking connected debts of £1.5m, and acceptable astir turning astir their fortunes.
He yet sold the nine to Roman Abramovich successful 2003 successful a woody worthy £140m erstwhile they were successful the English apical flight.
The Stamford Bridge nine were heavy successful indebtedness erstwhile Bates sold his shares. He stayed connected arsenic president earlier stepping down successful 2004.
Chelsea said successful a statement: "It is with large sadness that we stock the quality of the nonaccomplishment of Ken Bates, erstwhile proprietor and president of Chelsea Football Club.
"The nine sends our heartfelt condolences to Ken's woman Suzannah, the remainder of his household and his friends.
"Ken's determination to combat for Chelsea erstwhile times were tough, and thrust the squad connected to winning trophies volition ne'er beryllium forgotten."
More to follow.
English (US)·