Ken Bates, former chairman of Chelsea, dies at age 94

Former Chelsea and Leeds owner Ken Bates, who has died aged 94, was a colourful and controversial figure - but also a significant one for English football, writes Phil McNulty.

Former Chelsea and Leeds owner Ken Bates, who has died aged 94, was a colourful and controversial figure - but also a significant one for English football, writes Phil McNulty.

Ken Bates, the former Chelsea owner and chairman who bought the club for just a pound in 1982, has died. Chelsea confirmed the death in a statement Saturday, saying Bates “passed away peacefully in Monaco this morning surrounded by his wife and family.” Bates bought Chelsea when it was laden with debt and struggling in the English second division — hence the price of just one pound — but injected money into the club and oversaw a return to the top flight in 1984.

Former Chelsea chairman Ken Bates has died at the age of 94, the club announced on Saturday.

Bates oversaw eventful 21-year period in club’s history His subsequent ownership of Leeds was hugely troubled Ken Bates, one of the most colourful and controversial figures in the history of English football, has died aged 94, Chelsea have announced. The club reported on Saturday afternoon that Bates had died peacefully in Monaco surrounded by his wife and family, adding in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the loss of Ken Bates, former owner and chairman of Chelsea Football Club. Continue reading...

Bates bought Chelsea for £1 in 1982 and eventually sold the club to Roman Abramovich, leading to a glittering era for the Stamford Bridge club