Legendary former West Ham player and manager Billy Bonds has died aged 79.
The Londoner made 799 appearances for the Hammers, a club record, and captained the side to FA Cup glory in 1975 and 1980.
A statement from Bonds’ family read: ‘We are heartbroken to announce that we lost our beloved Dad today. He was devoted to his family and was the most kind, loyal, selfless, and loving person.
‘Dad loved West Ham United and its wonderful supporters with all his heart and treasured every moment of his time at the Club.
‘He will always be in our hearts and eternally missed. We take comfort knowing that his legacy will live on forever.’
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Former West Ham star Joe Cole said on TNT Sports: ‘Billy Bonds was manager when I signed. He was really kind to me and my family.
‘Growing up at West Ham, his name is synonymous with the club. Everything that’s good about West Ham, Billy Bonds, that was him. It’s really sad news and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.’
A West Ham statement hailed the iconic figure and revealed a ‘period of appreciation’ ahead of the Premier League match against Liverpool on Sunday.
‘One of the greatest competitors English football has ever seen, Billy passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, at the age of 79,’ the club posted.
‘He stands unrivalled as the longest-serving player in the Club’s 130-year history, having made a total of 799 appearances across a magnificent 21-year career that saw him captain us to two FA Cup triumphs and a Second Division title, win four Hammer of the Year awards, and awarded two testimonials, a PFA merit award and an MBE for services to football.
‘After hanging up his boots at the grand age of 41, Billy was handed a coaching role by the great John Lyall, working alongside Tony Carr with the Club’s Youth Team.
‘In February 1990, he was appointed as first-team manager, leading the club to promotion from Division Two and an FA Cup semi-final in 1991.
‘After relegation in 1992, Bonds immediately led the Hammers back into the top-flight in 1993, as we became a Premier League Club for the first time.’
The Hammers added: ‘The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at West Ham United are with Claire, Katie, Eloise and Elissa as they come to terms with their loss, and we kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this sad and difficult time.
‘A period of appreciation to honour Billy will be held before kick-off at today’s Premier League home fixture v Liverpool, and a full tribute will take place at our next home fixture against Aston Villa, on Sunday 14 December. Further tributes will also appear across Club channels in the coming days.’
Billy Bonds’ West Ham honours
FA Cup: 1975 & 1980
Second Division: 1980/81
Bonds was made an MBE in January 1988.
On punditry duty on TNT Sports when the news broke, Peter Crouch said: ‘I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times as well. A great man, a legend at West Ham. All West Ham supporters will be very thankful for the job he did at the club. First and foremost he was a great person.’
While synonymous with West Ham, Bonds started his career at Charlton Athletic, playing in the first team from 1964-67 before making his move across London to join the Hammers.
The Addicks posted: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Billy Bonds MBE.
‘Our thoughts are with Billy’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.’
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