Bates admits Sutton's Chelsea 'disaster'

Ken Bates - outspoken as ever

Controversial Chelsea chairman Ken Bates has branded former striker Chris Sutton "a disaster" - and revealed plans to surprise Sir Alex Ferguson at Sunday's Charity Shield.

Bates pulled no punches in his condemnation of Sutton, who was a £10m flop at Stamford Bridge.

And he renewed his verbal sparring with Manchester United boss Ferguson, who he will meet at Wembley for Sunday's Charity Shield.

Bates said: "There is no escaping the fact Sutton was a disaster. His attitude wasn't right towards the end. He wasn't good for Chelsea.

"He became anxious after missing two open goals against Sunderland on his debut. But he's done well to go to Celtic. It's an easier league and he showed that by getting a goal early on."

Bates has replaced Sutton with £15m star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, as well as bringing in Eidur Gudjohnsen and Mario Stanic to Stamford Bridge.

Chris Sutton during his Chelsea nightmare

He believes the trio will ensure Chelsea are a force to be reckoned with this season.

He added: "For the last two seasons we have lacked a goalscorer. But with the three summer signings, we have addressed that situation.

"Our defence was good last season - no team kept more clean sheets than us and only Liverpool conceded fewer goals."

Ahead of Sunday's Charity Shield at Wembley when FA Cup winners Chelsea meet Premiership champions United, Bates is determined to end Ferguson's domination of English football.

"We have a healthy respect for Manchester United and a healthy rivalry.

"They have won six out of the last eight championships which says something. It's up to clubs like us to stop them making the league a one-horse race like it is in Scotland."

Sir Alex Ferguson - in for a surprise

In a final twist, Bates has a surprise up his sleeve for Ferguson when the two meet on Sunday, particularly with the Scot having compared the colourful Chelsea chief to Chairman Mao because of his forthright views.

"I think he was trying desperately to scrape up even more sales for his autobiography which is now out in paperback," quipped Bates.

"But we are good verbal sparring partners. I think one of his comments was that he hasn't known anyone since Chairman Mao who had faith in their opinions like me. I took it as a compliment.

"Are you not supposed to have faith in your opinions?

"I think I've got a little surprise planned for him (Ferguson) on Sunday which will add to the amusement. I can't tell you what it is because it won't be a surprise!"