Colin Sweeney has shared a fond memory of former Chelsea chairman Ken Bates, who died on 11 July, during a family celebration at Stamford Bridge in 1999. Sweeney's parents were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary at one of the stadium's restaurants when Bates and his partner joined them.
Pink champagne and a chip deal
Upon learning of the occasion, Bates and his partner brought pink champagne for the entire party. During the meal, Bates asked one of the great-grandchildren, Matthew, for a chip. The child refused, but Bates offered £1 for it, and Matthew agreed to the transaction. Bates then wrote a promissory note on a napkin, guaranteeing Matthew a position in Chelsea's finance department.
Recalling a personal touch
Sweeney, writing in a letter to the Guardian, highlighted Bates' personal touch and generosity. The anecdote illustrates Bates' character beyond his public persona as a controversial football club chairman. Bates owned Chelsea from 1982 to 2003, overseeing a period of transformation for the club.
