Today is the 16th anniversary of the death of Chelsea Vice Chairman who died on the 22nd October 1966. Matthew Harding was a lifelong chelsea fan investing in the blues in 1994 who had the vision to invest in players and create a team like the heroes of his youth. However he was met with clashes with Ken Bates the Chairman who did not want to invest in players but in a new stadium. This resulted in Harding being banned from the boardroom. Harding was a friend of the supporters wearing chelsea shirts and drinking with supporters in the pub. Chelsea fans got behind Harding becoming 'Harding's Blue and White Army'. This support got the ban lifted and he was allowed back in the boardroom. Then tragically after and FA cup clash with Bolton on his way back his helicopter crashed killing Harding and others on board. To commemorate him A minutes silence was conducted in the next match and a stand was named after him at the Bridge. He was only involved with CFC for three years but the impression he made on chelsea fans will always be remembered. Matthew Harding will always be remembered for what he was a supporter first and foremost, he was one of us.
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