Ken Betts: The former Chelsea and Leeds owner was never far from the headlines

Bates has never shied away from controversy, most notably in the mid-80s when he built a 12ft 12-volt electric fence around Stamford Bridge to prevent pitch attacks – but was then refused permission to install it by Greater London Council citing safety reasons.

In 1991, Chelsea Fined £105,000 for alleged illegal payments to players. Bates has resigned from the Football League governing committee.

He considered it one of his most notable achievements Chelsea securing Stamford Bridge as the club’s home before developing it into a luxury all-seater stadium with a capacity of over 40,000.

It came after a protracted legal battle with property developer Marler Estate, which owns a significant portion of the stadium’s freehold. Then he started Chelsea The pitch owners’ scheme, sharing ownership of the ground with fans, will ensure Stamford Bridge is not in similar danger again.

It was, in many cases, as important as success Chelsea Finally enjoyed his tenure.

Bates was aided in his quest to bring in the best players Chelsea With the investment of Matthew Harding, who became a director in 1993 and eventually vice-chairman.

Glenn Hoddle was appointed player-manager in June 1993 as the club became increasingly fashionable, doing well enough to be appointed England manager two years later.

Harding was lifelong Chelsea A fan who yearned for the club’s glory days to return, first paying £5m to refurbish Stamford Bridge, then paying more for players, but often clashing with Betts over the club’s direction and power base, he was eventually banned. Chelsea Boardroom in 1995.

Amid bitterness, the pair never met before Harding’s death in a helicopter crash returning from a League Cup tie at Bolton Wanderers.

Betts sacked Galitt, who had won the FA Cup the previous season, in February 1998 after their relationship broke down – claiming the manager learned of his sacking via teletext.

Vialli, who replaced Gullit, led to European Cup Winners’ Cup success ChelseaAs well as winning the FA Cup final Aston Villa In 2000.

Bates was later mercilessly axed Chelsea The following season they won just one of their first five league games, although this decision came under heavy criticism from Pierluigi Casiraghi, with Vialli buying the Italian striker whose career had ended due to injury.

He said: “Ken Bates does not know the meaning of gratitude. He is arrogant and mistaken.”

Even Bates’ program notes were required to be read as he fixed scores in print and used them to mount a scathing defense against personal criticism or criticism of the club.

Claudio Ranieri was Bates’ final managerial appointment before selling to Abramovich, saying the deal would “take Chelsea to the next level” – which it duly did.

It became a defining moment in Premier League history, bought as a legacy by wealthy foreign owners.