Chelsea to remember honourary VP

Mr Carter, 44, was killed in a helicopter crash on his way home from the club's Champions League clash with Liverpool last week. His son Andrew, 17, was also killed in the crash along with Chelsea fan Jonathan Waller and pilot Stephen Holdich.

A Chelsea spokesman said: "Phil will always be remembered as one of our most committed fans and a very popular, larger than life character. As a tribute to their lives, and as a mark of respect, the Chelsea team will be wearing black armbands at the next home match against Manchester United."

The spokesman added: "He had four seats in the directors' box and was normally accompanied by Andrew, 17, and frequently by his father Tom.

"A lifelong supporter, he was a season ticket holder in the East Stand for many years, before taking one of the boxes in the West Stand when it was first built and was then invited to be a vice-president five years ago, an honorary position.

"He was present at every home game, travelled to most away games and every European trip.

Mr Carter - who had an estimated fortune of £92 million - ran a company which specialises in the organisation of vocational training.

His helicopter crashed in woodland barely a mile from the Carters' 14th century stately home in Thornhaugh, Cambridgeshire.

Mr Carter's widow Judith, who runs a family-owned hotel in Wansford, Cambridgeshire, said he was a special person and an inspirational businessman.