Matthew Harding

Matthew Charles Harding (26 December 1953 – 22 October 1996) was a British businessman, vice-chairman of Chelsea Football Club and a major financial supporter of New Labour.[citation needed] In June 1995, he was appointed a "Steward" of Abingdon School and presented the awards at Leavers' Day.[5] Bates eventually banned Harding from the Chelsea boardroom and effectively limited his input and influence over the club.[8] An inquest found that the pilot was likely to have become disorientated due to the poor visibility, and called for the introduction of new safety regulations.Harding's death came months before Chelsea’s FA Cup triumph and the general election victory of the Labour Party which he had backed financially near the end of his life.
A banner at Stamford Bridge in 2014, in tribute to Harding. It reads "Matthew Harding's Blue & White Army".
Matt HardingHaywards HeathSussexMiddlewichCheshireChelsea Football ClubNew LabourAbingdon SchoolAbingdonA levelLondonBenfield, Lovick & ReesStamford BridgeKen BatesshareholderBolton WanderersJohn BauldieEurocopter AS355 Écureuil 2Air Accidents Investigation Branchpilot by instrumentsFA CupBurgess Hill Town F.C.List of Old AbingdoniansBBC NewsThe IndependentAlyson RuddLord Michael Levy