In this episode of the London Is Blue Podcast, hosts Rick Glanville and Garry Barone with Steve Frankham MBE honor the memory and legacy of former Chelsea FC chairman Ken Bates following his passing on July 11, 2026. The podcast highlights Bates's instrumental role in creating the Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO), a unique organization that has safeguarded the club's home ground for 33 years. They explain how the CPO has successfully endured across three different club ownership groups, from Bates to Roman Abramovich and now Clearlake Capital. Ultimately, this relationship ensures that Chelsea still cannot unilaterally redevelop Stamford Bridge or move to a new stadium without the pitch owners' involvement.
Thank you so much to the legendary Steve Frankham MBE for his time!!
Get involved with the Chelsea Pitch Owners!
https://www.chelseafc.com/en/chelsea-pitch-owners-buy-a-share
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https://uk.bookshop.org/contributors/rick-glanvill
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Until next time Chelsea fans, Keep The Blue Flag Flyin’ High!
LONDON IS BLUE PODCAST
Created By: Dan Dormer, Nick Verlaney, and Brandon Busbee
Intro by: Nick Verlaney
Hosted by: Rick Glanville and Garry Barone with Steve Frankham MBE
Edited By: Jorel Corpus and Jake Perkins
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