Robert Chase dead at 84: Former Norwich chairman who oversaw club’s most successful spell dies after short illness

FORMER Norwich City chairman Robert Chase has died.

The 84-year-old’s family confirmed the sad news today that he passed away on Friday after a short illness.

Chase was in charge of the now Championship club from 1985 to 1996.

His time at the helm coincided with one of the most successful periods of the club’s history, which included their famous Uefa Cup triumph over Bayern Munich in 1993.

Chase was a great-grandfather, who had three sons, and leaves behind his wife Ruth.

The family confirmed they were by his side when he died as they also thanked people for their condolences.

Norwich had three finishes in the top five of the English Football League during his time there before he left in 1996.

A statement from Norwich read: “Norwich City are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former club chairman Robert Chase.

“Chase joined the board of the club in 1982 before becoming chairman in 1985.

“During his time as chair, the club enjoyed some of their highest ever finishes in the Football League as well as that memorable two-legged victory over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup.

“Chase was inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame in 2003.

“All at the club would like to pass on their deepest condolences to Robert’s family and friends at this sad time.”

Malcolm Robertson, A former sports reporter who covered the Canaries during that period, said: “Robert Chase will always be remembered as a highly significant figure in the history of Norwich City Football Club.”

Albert Jones, whose dad Jimmy was vice-chair during Mr Chase’s time in charge, also says that he could not speak more highly of him.

Chase managed the family construction business from the early 1960s away from Carrow Road.

He also served for 14 years as a member of the Norfolk County Council.

And he spent four years as chair of Norfolk Police Authority.