Supporters' group will unveil flag on Sunday vs West Ham and can now pay for a more permanent tribute to the Blues' legend
CHELSEA fans crowdfunding for a special banner tribute to Ray Wilkins smashed their cash target within minutes
Messages from players and pundits have been flooding in all day after Blues legend Wilkins died in hospital aged 61.
And Chelsea supporters' group We Are The Shed launched a campaign to raise £170 for a painted banner at Sunday's Premier League match at home to West Ham.
But, as donations flowed in well beyond that target, they now plan to build a more permanent tribute to the former Blues skipper and assistant coach.
The fans' group tweeted: "We have raised £340 in a matter of minutes! All excess donations will now be used ot creater and hang a permanent banner inside Stamford Bridge."
Wilkins, who won 84 England caps as an elegant midfielder, also played for QPR, Manchester United, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Rangers.
He had short playing spells at Wycombe, Hibs, Millwall and Orient.
'Butch' bossed QPR and Fulham, as well as being assistant at Watford, Millwall, England Under-21s, Fulham and, most recently, Aston Villa in 2015.
He also managed the Jordan national team
Wilkins was placed in a coma following a cardiac arrest at his home in Surrey last week.
And St George's Hospital today issued a statement on behalf of his family confirming his death.
Wilkins' family thanked the hospital for their "amazing" care and the public for "the many goodwill messages".
Superstars like David Beckham, Paul Gascoigne, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker posted tributes, remembering Wilkins as much as a true gentleman as for his great passing skills.
