Today marks 28 years since the tragic death of Chelsea vice-chairman Matthew Harding.

Matthew, a boyhood Blues supporter, was returning from watching Chelsea take on Bolton Wanderers in the League Cup when his helicopter crashed near Middlewich, Cheshire. He and his fellow passengers, Ray Deane, Tony Burridge, John Bauldie and Mick Goss, all lost their lives.

It was in the early 1990s that Matthew's passion for Chelsea led to him becoming a director. He soon helped finance the reconstruction of Stamford Bridge's north stand, which would be named in Matthew's honour following his untimely passing.


Matthew's financial and emotional investment in Chelsea also helped the club sign future Blues legends Ruud Gullit and Roberto Di Matteo. Mark Hughes was also recruited with Matthew's aid and the striker would play an important role in our 1997 FA Cup win and League Cup and Cup Winners' Cup triumphs the following season.

Sadly, Matthew did not get to see his beloved Blues lift those pieces of silverware. Nor the joy it brought those he would stand alongside in the Stamford Bridge crowd, who still sing his name to this day.

Gone, but never forgotten. Rest in peace, Matthew.