Former Chelsea chairman and Leeds United owner Ken Bates has died aged 94.Bates famously purchased Chelsea for £1 in 1982 before taking up the role of chairman and owner until Roman Abramovich took control of the club in 2003.Bates [left] was in control of Chelsea for more than two decadesAFPThe Blues were a second-tier club and deep in financial jeopardy at the time of his arrival.Bates put measures in place to improve the squad and develop Stamford Bridge, underpinning the club’s future success.A Chelsea statement read: “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.”During his time at Stamford Bridge, Bates oversaw promotion to the top flight.Further success followed with two FA Cup wins before the Blues triumphed on the European stage winning the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and UEFA Super Cup.A statement from the Chelsea Supporters’ trust read: “The trust is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Chelsea owner and chairman Ken Bates.“His impact on Chelsea will be remembered for generations, and his place in the club’s history is assured.”Bates’ held a somewhat fractious relationship with Chelsea supporters during his early days at the helm.In a bid to combat the ongoing hooligan issues at the club, bates threatened to install electric fences around in the stadium.Therefore, any fans intending to reach the pitch would be electocuted.The idea did not come to fruition however it showed that bates was not afraid to put the best interests of the club first in the face of the threat of hooliganism.Bates played a crucial role in Chelsea remaining at thir spirital home of Stamford Brifge.In the 1980s, affluent property developers pinpointed the the stadium for redevelopment of houses in a move that would have seen the club pushed out.In response, Bates helped set up the Chelsea Pitch Owners Association effectively allowing the club to remain at Stamford Bridge.That meanst anybody wanted to move the club out of the area would need the agreement of the Chelsea Pitch Association member.More to follow…