Chelsea are planning to mark the 20th anniversary of Matthew Harding’s death with tributes during Sunday’s eagerly awaited clash with Manchester United.
Much will be made of the return of Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge as United boss this weekend, however, the Daily Mail reports that Chelsea will focus on paying their respects to Harding.
The former Vice-Chairman tragically passed away at the age of just 42, in a helicopter crash following a League Cup tie away to Bolton 20 years ago, in which the pilot Michael Goss, journalist John Bauldie and friends Raymond Deane and Tony Burridge also lost their lives.
Harding invested £26million into the club which helped build the North Stand, which is now named after him in his honour.
The club have funded a 100ft x 50ft flag bearing the message ‘Matthew Harding, Always Loved, Never Forgotten’ which fans will pass around the stadium prior to kick-off, and two banners made by fans from the ‘We Are The Shed Group.’
Two banners in his stand already read ‘Matthew Harding’s Blue and White Army,’ and the club will display ‘Matthew Harding, One Of Our Own’ along the hoardings in one section of the stand.
Matchday tickets will also feature an image of Harding on the back, with a message reading: “In Memory of Matthew Harding.”
The former vice-chairman was a passionate Chelsea fan and despite joining the board in 1994, continued to support the club from the stands with the supporters.
Other tributes will be paid in the match programme and on the screens around Stamford Bridge, while Harding’s widow Ruth will be a guest of honour at Sunday’s match and two of his grandchildren will be the mascots.
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