Bates: I'm going nowhere

Ken Bates made it clear today he intends to stay as Chelsea chairman.

He was speaking in response to suggestions that he will soon sever his ties with Stamford Bridge completely - possibly before the start of the new season.

But Bates, who this morning arrived in Kuala Lumpur where Chelsea will compete for the Asia Cup, said: "There is no truth whatsoever in those rumours. It seems to me that my enemies are stirring it up for me."

Uncertainty has surrounded his future ever since he sold his 29 per cent majority shareholding for £17million to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. But today Bates, 71, said that he is happy with his new role. "I am enjoying my life at Chelsea very much at the moment. I have all of the pleasure and none of the pain. I am staying at Chelsea."

Bates, who was also in Rome for Chelsea's 2-0 defeat by Lazio on Friday night, is clearly excited by the stream of new arrivals at the Bridge. He was particularly taken with £6m teenager Glen Johnson's performance in Italy.

"He is an extremely talented young player with a tremendous attitude," said Bates. "He made a big impact."