Chelsea takeover: Lord Coe joins Sir Martin Broughton consortium bid

The London 2012 Olympics chief has thrown his weight behind former Liverpool chairman Sir Martin Broughton’s attempt to buy the club

Lord Sebastian Coe is a lifelong Chelsea fan (David Davies/PA) (PA Archive)

Lord Sebastian Coe has joined Sir Martin Broughton’s consortium bid to buy Chelsea.

The 2012 London Olympics chief has thrown his weight behind former Liverpool chairman Broughton’s attempt to take control of the Blues.

Coe would take a seat on Chelsea’s board should Broughton be successful in his candidacy to buy the Stamford Bridge club, the PA news agency understands.

Coe hailed Broughton as the perfect person to take the Chelsea helm when current owner Roman Abramovich departs.

“I am certain that Sir Martin is the right man to lead Chelsea Football Club into its next chapter,” Coe said in a statement.

Lord Coe in the Stamford Bridge stands with Chelsea’s Bruce Buck, right (John Walton/PA) (PA Archive)

“He has an exceptional track record in British business, as well as unrivalled experience in shepherding Liverpool out of a very difficult situation.

“He has the vision, acumen and financial backing to ensure our club’s future success, keeping Chelsea Football Club at the top of European football and challenging for trophies.

“But most importantly, like me, he is a lifelong Chelsea supporter and Shed End season-ticket holder. I know that this bid is for the millions of Chelsea fans around the world. We love our club and will always put the fans first.”

Lord Coe is looking to take a position on the Stamford Bridge board (Steven Paston/PA (PA Archive)

British athletics great Coe won 1500m gold at the 1980 and 1984 Olympics in a glittering track career, before excelling in sports administration.

Coe was an ambassador for London’s 2012 Olympics bid and then a member of the board for the bid company.

Broughton ran British American Tobacco before chairing British Airways.

The high-profile British business figure now chairs private investment firm Sports Investment Partners.

Broughton helped steer Liverpool to the Reds’ current period of prosperity when he took the chairmanship on a short-term basis in 2010.

Sir Martin Broughton, left, is leading a consortium bid to buy Chelsea (PA) (PA Archive)

The accomplished businessman helped user in current Anfield owners Tom Werner’s Fenway Sports Group.

The 74-year-old former British Airways chairman revealed his delight at bringing Chelsea fan Coe on board for his bid to buy the Blues.

“I am absolutely delighted to welcome Lord Coe to our bid. His reputation speaks for itself, and he will bring phenomenal insight, leadership and sporting knowledge to Chelsea Football Club,” said Broughton.