Matthew Harding Stand

A stand named for a devoted fan and benefactor.

The Matthew Harding Stand is a stand at Stamford Bridge, named after Matthew Harding, a lifelong Chelsea fan and former director of the club.

Lore & Background

Matthew Harding was a British businessman and vice-chairman of Chelsea Football Club. He invested £26.5 million in the club, including £7.5 million towards construction of the North Stand (now the Matthew Harding Stand) and £16.5 million to buy the Stamford Bridge freehold. He died in a helicopter crash on 22 October 1996 while returning from a Chelsea match. The stand was later renamed in his honor.

Did You Know?

Matthew Harding donated £1 million to the Labour Party in 1996, making him the party's largest individual donor at the time.
Harding attended Abingdon School from 1964 to 1971, where he played badminton, cricket, and hockey.
He made his fortune in the insurance industry, starting by making tea and becoming a director.
Harding's son Patrick became a semi-professional footballer for Burgess Hill Town F.C.