Bates To Stay- For Now...

Last updated : 11 February 2004 By Rich Godden
Bates' future at the club was in doubt after his programme notes were axed for the first time in 21 years. But Kenyon has moved to deny speculation that Bates is being forced out of the club.

Kenyon said "I've known Ken for many years and everyone recognises Ken's contribution to Chelsea. I don't want to add to the speculation, there's not a spat.

"Ken remains as chairman of the football club and as a key responsibility there he will accompany me at Premier League meetings. I will be the representative of the club and he will accompany me at those meetings and will continue to do that until he takes up his life presidency position sometime in the future."

But Pini Zahavi, the agent who helped set up the Abramovich takeover, wasn't so pleasant about Ken. Zahavi, reacting after Bates had labelled him a d***head in one of his after dinner speeches, said "This revolting character is not worthy of a response.

"If I was in his shoes I would wake up every morning praying to God and thanking him that Pini Zahavi saved him from bankruptcy and put £19m in his pocket.

"He is history as far as English football is concerned."

One question Pini... if he is not worthy of a response, why have you responded?