Truely gutted my first Chelsea idol...RIP Butch...

Very sad news. I never met him but he always seemed like a top bloke, and looking at all the tributes he was universally liked. I was fortunate enough to see his last couple of seasons for us in the late 70's among my first visits to the Bridge. In fact I remember seeing him score a cracking goal against United which I think started the Big Match for a while. I always enjoyed watching him play and he even made QPR watchable ;). I had always hoped we would sign him back in the late 80's but it never happened sadly. Still I was delighted that he was able to return to us as a coach for a while. If only the club hadn't unnecessarily shown him the door maybe Carlo would have hung around longer too. Certainly Carlo wasn't the same after he left.

I have no doubt Sunday's game will be extra emotional now. We've lost a Chelsea legend. Thanks for all the great memories, Ray!

Can't believe it first Butch, now the crafty cockney, so so sad. 

As someone who saw Ray make his debut for us at the age of 17, and who is in the same age group him, I am totally floored by his death.

He was one of the true greats that I had the pleasure of seeing come through the ranks down at the Bridge, and who I also had the genuine pleasure to meet at several informal "Disco Nights" the club used to run in the West stand on Saturday nights back in the 70s when the players would happily attend and mix with the supporters (different days back then!)  Ray aways had time to talk to people and was always willing to smile and pose for a photo with the fans, something he continued to do for the whole of his life. 

One of the truly nicest people you could ever wish to meet, not only in football terms but as a human being and a person.

God bless Ray, it was a pleasure to have you associated with our club. If the people upstairs had any sense, (which they clearly don't) they would have kept you and Carlo on and by now we would probably have several Champions League titles under our belt.

R.I.P SIR, WE LOVE YOU AND ALWAYS WILL.

 

 

truly gutted , my first hero ! remember wanting Man Utd to win against Brighton in the FA Cup just because Ray was playing and it would be the closest Chelsea would get to winning anything in those days. Was lucky to meet him a few times always a gent and had time for everyone, even brought a few of us a beer at the airport on the way home from a European away ,

 

 

8 hours ago, Bluesince66 said:

Can't believe it first Butch, now the crafty cockney, so so sad. 

Eric was a Chelsea fan as well

11 hours ago, Fansince65 said:

As someone who saw Ray make his debut for us at the age of 17, and who is in the same age group him, I am totally floored by his death.

He was one of the true greats that I had the pleasure of seeing come through the ranks down at the Bridge, and who I also had the genuine pleasure to meet at several informal "Disco Nights" the club used to run in the West stand on Saturday nights back in the 70s when the players would happily attend and mix with the supporters (different days back then!)  Ray aways had time to talk to people and was always willing to smile and pose for a photo with the fans, something he continued to do for the whole of his life. 

One of the truly nicest people you could ever wish to meet, not only in football terms but as a human being and a person.

God bless Ray, it was a pleasure to have you associated with our club. If the people upstairs had any sense, (which they clearly don't) they would have kept you and Carlo on and by now we would probably have several Champions League titles under our belt.

R.I.P SIR, WE LOVE YOU AND ALWAYS WILL.

 

 

Very well put. There was a bit of magic about the man.

Nice touch adding him to the banner on the top of the site 

 

Yep can still remember going through the turnstiles and up the steps into the mighty shed to see Ray lead out that young Chelsea side so full of promise that got promoted out of the old second division. I can still hear the chants of Eddie Macredie's Blue and white army or Wilkins Wilkins born is the King of Stamford Bridge. Then there were the girls dotted around the ground with their I'm a Butch Wilkins Babe scarfs  wrapped around their necks. Thank you Ray for giving me so many great memories of my teenage years. you were taken too young-Rest in Peace.

I was due to go tomorrow with the old man, he's in his 80s, suffering from dementia, had some health problems this week so decided to pass the tickets on to a mate who was desperate for a pair.

Since then Butch has tragically passed away, and wish I hadn't moved the tickets because I'd like to observe the minutes silence.

My Dads too far gone now to remember Ray, but he's related to Jackies Dad, met him/ and played golf with him several times, and always said he was a real gent.

Very sad week all round.

Edited April 7, 20188 yr by Ewell CFC

3 hours ago, Ewell CFC said:

I was due to go tomorrow with the old man, he's in his 80s, suffering from dementia, had some health problems this week so decided to pass the tickets on to a mate who was desperate for a pair.

Since then Butch has tragically passed away, and wish I hadn't moved the tickets because I'd like to observe the minutes silence.

My Dads too far gone now to remember Ray, but he's related to Jackies Dad, met him/ and played golf with him several times, and always said he was a real gent.

Very sad week all round.

Sorry to hear about your dad's troubles, Ewell. Despite not being at the match, you probably will put your heart into remembering Butch!

Be great in the game to stand and chant his name in the 8th minute, I’m sure this has already been thought of but not seen it mentioned 

checkout this lovely show of respect by Jack Grealish

 

54 minutes ago, robdog said:

checkout this lovely show of respect by Jack Grealish

 

Watched the Birmingham derby a few weeks ago and thought this lad was total class, seeing this picture, f**k 40 mill on some foreign player, let's sign this lad in the summer! Respect my son

Met him in 1975 when, as a 14 year old boy, I got to take a penalty against Steve Sherwood. 

RIP Ray.

A photo of the tribute to Ray at Stamford Bridge. More to follow.

From yesterday's game at Ibrox.

 

Edited April 8, 20188 yr by Boyne

http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2018/04/book-of-condolence-and-tribute-area-stay-open-.html

Book of condolence and tribute area stay open

NEWSMON 9 APR 2018

The special area and the book of condolence at Stamford Bridge for fans to pay tribute to Ray Wilkins will remain open until Sunday.

An area where supporters can leave messages and mementoes is near to the Britannia Gate entrance to the stadium site. This is open daily from 8am to 10pm.

A book of condolence for fans wishing to pay their respects, which will be shared with the Wilkins family, is located at the back of the Stamford Bridge site in the Museum building, and will be available from 9.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 9.30am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Supporters unable to visit Stamford Bridge who wish to leave messages can do so here in an online book of condolence.

I have to share this banner here

Totally gutted hearing this sad news...
Hope he will rest in peace in a better place...Blue forever