Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha speaks for first time as Leicester City chairman
Leicester City announced Aiyawatt “Top” Srivaddhanaprabha as club chairman on Thursday. He then spoke on subjects including the proposed stadium expansion.
It happened on October 27, 2018, Leicester City had just played West Ham. Wilfred Ndidi rescued a Premier League point for the Foxes with an 89th minute strike. But the final whistle came before the night’s shocking event.
After the match, the east Midlands club’s beloved chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, boarded his helicopter on the pitch as usual. Suddenly, immediately after takeoff they crashed. Two pilots and three passengers, along with Khun Vichai, perished in the disaster.
Mourning erupted on Filbert Way, fans flocked for weeks to pay their respect and leave flowers, written messages and shirts in honour of the King Power leader. A severely emotional time developed; the premiership’s stars as well as football representatives and royalty all came to Leicester for the Srivaddhanaprabha family. Vichai was laid to rest in Thailand, the Foxes squad was present.
Top Srivaddhanaprabha, Leicester City chairman
Following the tragedy Vichai’s son, Aiyawatt or “Top”, took over as the effective boss of the club’s operations. However, on Thursday, August 8, 2019, Top was officially confirmed as Leicester City chairman.
Top is a likeable character, himself a great Polo player. Someone who mixes in the highest social circles and huge international business. The Leicester squad see him as a friend; at least a relatable superior who has the common touch. They, Brendan Rodgers and the club hierarchy, are all regularly seen sharing a laugh before games.
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Subsequently to being publicly appointed, Top made a statement on the team, regarding on and off the pitch affairs:
"“It is a privilege to become the next Chairman of this great Club and to lead the Leicester City family into the next chapter of what has already been an extraordinary story. It feels like there is so much more to come.“As we approach the start of the new season, there is genuine excitement and positivity among our supporters and in the football community about what we can achieve. We have an exciting young squad, an outstanding manager and backroom staff, and a well-structured and sustainable off-pitch operation, all backed by an energised and engaged supporter base.”– Aiyawatt “Top” SrivaddhanaprabhaVia: lcfc.com"
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Additionally, Top spoke of the proposed stadium expansion – more can be read on that here. Continuing Vichai’s dream for Leicester, as owner and philanthropist, is also a welcome theme. And there was confirmation that his brother, Apichet Srivaddhanaprabha, is now vice-chairman of the Foxes.