Jose Mourinho banners to be removed for Chelsea return at Stamford Bridge in Matthew Harding tribute

JOSE MOURINHO

Jose Mourinho will not see the usual banners that acknowledge his successful time in charge at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea are to unveil a large tribute for their former vice-chairman Matthew Harding 20 years after his death.

The Blues' home still has flags and banners idolising the Portuguese after his three Premier League titles during his two spells in South West London.

Harding died at 42 years old in a helicopter crash, along with four others, after watching his beloved Chelsea in their League Cup tie with Bolton.

The club named the North Stand in his memory and have funded two banners and an enormous crowd-surfing flag for the anniversary.

Harding's widow Ruth and other members of the family are to attend as guests of honour for the game on Sunday.

The crowd-surfing flag, reported to be 100ft x 50ft, will carry the message: 'Always Loved, Never Forgotten.'

Fans have already revealed their tickets for the game have a gold tape along the top with a tribute message for Harding.

Despite joining the board in 1994, Harding continued to sit amongst supporters before his tragic death just months 

before the Blues ended a 26-year wait for a major trophy by lifting the FA Cup in 1997.