The Ken Bates Tapes: Part 1

Over a two part interview, Garry Hayes and Ceri Levy sit down with former Chelsea FC owner Ken Bates to hear him tell his Stamford Bridge story like never before.

Bates seldom gives interviews these days. Indeed, he doesn't do documentaries, which makes The Ken Bates Tapes all the more compelling.

Listeners will hear how Bates ushered in a new dawn for Chelsea FC and English football. From battling the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal for equity in the Premier League, to appointing Glenn Hoddle as Chelsea manager; his boardroom battles with Matthew Harding and how he sold the club to Roman Abramovich over dinner at The Dorchester Hotel in London.

Our theme music "Blue Day '23" is composed by Mike Connaris with bed arrangements by Jake Bradford-Sharp. It's used under license from Mcasso Music.