Laura Ricketts has promised to be “answerable to fans” as the US family step up their bid to buy Chelsea.
The owners of baseball’s Chicago Cubs have met with key club officials this week and will hold further talks with the Supporters’ Trust in an effort to convince them they can lead the European champions to a bright future.
The Ricketts have faced a backlash from fans on social media in response to historic racist emails sent by the family’s patriarch, Joe.
He is not involved in the bid and the Ricketts’ have sought to meet with fan groups and other organisations to allay concerns, among them Chelsea Pride and Kick It Out.
Ms Ricketts said: “When we assumed responsibility for the Chicago Cubs and its legacy, we immediately realised that teams like the Cubs don’t belong to one person or organisation. They belong to the fans.
“We’re stewards – and we’re answerable to the fans. That’s how we see it in Chicago – and it would be exactly the same at Chelsea.
“We strive to be champions both on and off the field. It’s what makes Chelsea great, and is a tradition we would honour if we were to become the club’s next stewards.”
Ms Ricketts was the first openly LGBTQ+ owner of a Major League Baseball team and is adamant the family are committed to diversity.
While there has still been unrest, a proposed protest last weekend only got a modest response with around 100 fans gathering before the game against Brentford.
Meanwhile, plans to erect a ‘NoToRicketts’ banner inside the ground have been shelved indefinitely.
Ms Ricketts added: “We all need to be listening and speaking up, and I feel a particular responsibility because of the position I’m in. We’re not going to be able to persuade all the fans right away that we will be good stewards of Chelsea – we’re going to have to show them with meaningful action if we are successful in our bid.
“But I can assure all Chelsea fans that it has been my life’s work to fight against discrimination and bigotry of any kind.
“Coming out as an LGBTQ+ woman has influenced my perspective and sensitivity about diversity and inclusion. I can’t know what it’s like to walk in another person’s shoes, but I can begin to understand and have an awareness of their different experience. And that’s a gift.
“In the position that I’m in, I feel a sense of responsibility to be an advocate. To me, being an advocate means speaking up, and also listening.”
