Chelsea Football Club is fully committed to our history and helps to raise money for former players and employees through the Chelsea Past Players' Trust (CPPT).

The trust was inspired by the late Tony Banks, who tirelessly raised funds for former players - particularly the 1955 First Division championship-winning team.

With original donations from Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO) and the club itself, the trust uses money raised to provide medical and financial assistance to past players who have given so much to Chelsea during the course of their careers.

The trust has seven members; chairman of Chelsea FC Bruce Buck, Richard King (chairman of Chelsea Pitch Owners), former Chelsea captain Ray Wilkins, former England cricket international and Chelsea fan Alec Stewart, former Labour Sports Minister and life-time supporter Tony Reeves, Chelsea finance director Chris Alexander and Chelsea company secretary Alan Shaw.

Buck says: 'Since Roman Abramovich took over Chelsea we have helped a number of past players who were in need of medical or financial assistance.

'This was done on an ad hoc basis but Tony and the club wanted to do more.

'Discussions had already started before Tony's passing and his death served as a further impetus to set up the trust.

'Not only will the trust directly help past players and other employees in need, but it will also ensure that these players maintain their rightful place as a crucial part of the club's soul.'

Many of the past players now work at Stamford Bridge on match days while Paul Canoville, the club's first black player, leads Chelsea's fight against racism and was one of the leading campaigners for Kick Racism Out of Football's national week of action.