BRIAN MEARSBrian Mears, who died on 28 July, 2009, was chairman of Chelsea Football Club for 12 years and the grandson of the club's founder, property developer Joseph Mears.His tenure saw success on the pitch, with an FA Cup win in 1970 and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup following in 1971.But Mr Mears was a victim of his own ambition when plans to redevelop Stamford Bridge into the first all-seater stadium in Europe left the club heavily in debt and struggling on the pitch.He watched his first Chelsea game in 1945 at the age of 14 and became chairman in 1969, still only 38. Chelsea was arguably the most fashionable club in London at the time, with exciting players and celebrity fans, and Mr Mears came to epitomise this glamour with his fur coat, sunglasses and Rolls-Royce sporting the number plate 'CFC II'.The ill-fated development of the ground after manager Dave Sexton's team had won two trophies began in 1971. Due to the financial and political turmoil of the 1970s, only the massive East Stand was completed, while Chelsea were relegated from the First Division. The East Stand remains part of the ground today.Mr Mears was replaced as chairman in 1981 and then sold the club to Ken Bates for £1, ending his family's 76-year association with the club. He moved to America where he rebuilt his reputation as a businessman, and he also wrote several books about Chelsea. Despite befriending director Matthew Harding and chairman Bruce Buck in later years, he never set foot in Stamford Bridge again.He passed away after a heart problem aged 78 and was survived by his son Christopher, daughter Suzan and five grandchildren.
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3756 visitors.Published: 11/08/2009
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2 Tributes left for
Brian Mears
Left by funeral-notices.co.uk:
29/01/2014
Arthur Laws:Rest in peace Mr Mears. Your family did so much for our c...11/08/2009
