14 July 2026 …
Ken Bates: Former Chelsea and Leeds owner was never far from the headlines
Bates was never far from controversy, especially in the mid-’80s when he erected a 12ft 12-volt electric fence around Stamford Bridge to prevent pitch invasions – but was then refused permission by Greater London Council to switch it on, citing safety grounds.
In 1991, Chelsea were fined £105,000 for alleged illegal payments to players. Bates resigned from the Football League management committee.
He regarded one of his most significant achievements