Ownership Chronicles: The Story Behind Chelsea FC’s Leadership

Chelsea FC, a club that changed the scenario of European Football for once and for all since June 2003, has not been a giant always like it is today. Founded in March 1905, the club had a humble beginning to kick-start their great journey. It was only after every Chelsea FC owner took control, that Chelsea history had versatile changes.

Founding Years: Gus Mears and family

Background

It all started for Chelsea FC when founder Gus Mears acquired the iconic Stamford Bridge in 1904. Mears wanted to lease the stadium to Fulham FC, but the offer was turned down. Soon after. He eyed opening his new club, and thus the great giant Chelsea FC was founded at the Butcher’s Hook (then The Rising Sun pub) on March 10th, 1905.

Club Performance and Legacy

Chelsea FC had a humble beginning when it comes to performance. The club got promoted to the first division in their second season but stayed in the cycle of promotion and relegation in the early years.

Things got better in the 1930s when they remained in division one. They also reached the FA Cup finals in 1920 & 1932. They also won their first league championship in 1954-55. But post that it achieved no silverware in the Mears era. The club was also struggling financially in the 1970s and 1980s.

Second Owners: Ken Bates and family

Background

In the middle of financial instability, Ken Bates, the great-nephew of Brian Mears, bought the club. It is surprising to note that Bates purchased the Blues for just 1 Pound. The date of acquisition was April 2, 1982. Bates was in the picture for over 40 years, where he struggled initially amid huge debts and disturbances, but later turned Chelsea FC into a regular top-division club.

Club Performance and Legacy

Bates’ era in Stamford Bridge was one filled with controversy. The ownership was always in the news, often for some bizarre calls. Bates was frequently not in the good taste of the fans. A famous incident of his, as per All Football, was building a 12-feet wired electric volt fence to hinder rising pitch invasions.

Amid all the drama, Chelsea FC started growing slowly but steadily under Ken Bates’s ownership. The club had constant top-6 finishes and an FA Cup after 25 years in 1996.

Also Read: Top 10 Managers With Most Trophies in Football History

2003: Roman Abramovich

Background

It was June 2003, which changed European Football, and especially the British standard of the game once and for all. Amid financial crunches, Bates sold Chelsea FC to the great Russian owner for a sum of 60 million Pounds. This change of Chelsea FC owner made the club one of the biggest in Europe.

They entered the season with a mammoth 100 million Pound investment, secured the then young Champions League winning manager with FC Porto aka the “Special One” Jose Mourinho, and took the transfer window by storm by signing all the top players to begin with. The club didn’t have to look back in terms of success or financial strains since the takeover.

The move was also significant in the European context as the football world witnessed a massive investment to this extent this soon, changing the soccer economics forever.

Club Performance and Legacy

Chelsea FC under Roman Abramovich left an everlasting impact. He has been one of the few owners who took bold yet courageous and correct calls for the club. Following his arrival, Chelsea FC not only became the best club in England multiple times but almost achieved European glory at the highest stage twice.

It was during the Abramovich era when Chelsea FC with their lucrative deals became a threat for all clubs in the transfer windows. The Russian Billionaire ruled European football with Chelsea FC, staying at the top for 19 years.

Present: Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital

Background

Things started to take a turn in 2022, with the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. Abramovich was facing problems running the club so the ownership changed again, and this time American businessmen Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, with Mark Walter and Hansjord Wyss entered the scene. They acquired the former Champions League winners for a huge bill of 4.25 billion Pounds.

Club Performance and Legacy

While it is too early to state the legacy they leave behind, going by the recent trends, it can be easily stated that Todd Boehly, the present chairman, is not someone who is afraid to spend big and take tough calls. And, a different chapter for the great Chelsea FC awaits next. 

The club is already making huge changes in the squad, after not having satisfactory results in the first season. They have also changed coaches. The club is trying to achieve more success and by their spending habits, it looks certain that they will go high to achieve goals, but smart moves will be equally essential for the club.

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