David Gold dead: tributes paid to West Ham co-chairman

The footballing world has paid tribute to West Ham co-chairman David Gold after he passed away on Wednesday.

West Ham announced that Gold died peacefully this morning following a short illness at the age of 86.

The Premier League club's vice-chair Karren Brady led the tributes to Gold as she paid her respects to her former colleague.

She tweeted: 'To a great man, a great friend for over 30 years and a complete gentleman - you will be missed. Rest in peace x.'

Former Managing Director of Club England Adrian Bevington added: 'David Gold was always a kind and polite man whenever speaking with him. Sad news. Thoughts with his family and those close to him.'

Hammers legend Tony Cottee also said: 'I’m sad to hear the news of David Gold passing away. He was a nice man who cared passionately about West Ham… RIP David.'

Pundit Stan Collymore also paid tribute to Gold as he said: 'Met David Gold a few times, always friendly. I remember a Monday debate on talkSPORT where we were squarely on opposite sides of a fan ownership debate, but after it finished he was incredibly gracious. Sending love to @Jacqueline_Gold and family. Rest in Peace, David.'

Ian Abrahams, a talkSPORT reporter and West Ham fan added: 'Sad to hear of the passing of West Ham co-Chairman David Gold. Whenever I spoke to David, you knew how much he loved the club and always had a warm smile to greet you. Thoughts with his financee Lesley and daughters @Jacqueline_Gold and @Vanessa_Gold.'

Gold was previously co-chairman at Birmingham and the West Midlands club also passed on their sympathies to the family.

They said: 'The Club is devastated to learn of the passing of former Chairman David Gold at the age of 86. Our thoughts are with his daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa, and his fiancée Lesley at this incredibly difficult time.'

West Ham's London rivals Tottenham also expressed their sadness at the passing of the 86-year-old as they tweeted: 'We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of David Gold. The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.'

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish said: 'Terrible news, David was an absolute gentleman, always had kind and supportive words for me when things were tough. He knew how to win with grace and lose with dignity. He loved football and he loved his club. I will miss him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.'

West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan also paid tribute to Gold in an earlier statement as he said: 'On behalf of everyone at the football club, it is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of our colleague and friend, David Gold.

'Of all our joint ventures, none gave us more pride and happiness than the day we took ownership of West Ham United, our Club, in January 2010. David had a long-standing connection with the Hammers, having grown up opposite the Boleyn Ground in Green Street, and represented the Club at junior level. He always wanted what was best for West Ham United, and his passing is a great loss for all of us.'

Hammers boss David Moyes added: 'I am extremely sad to hear this news and, on behalf of all of the players and my staff at the training ground, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to David Gold’s family at this very difficult time.

'Mr Gold was a regular visitor to Rush Green and always a source of great support and encouragement to myself and the players. It was clear that he had a genuine and sincere love for the Club and was a true supporter at heart. He took a great interest in the people working behind-the-scenes and was always keen to help in any way he could. He will be greatly missed.'

BT Sport also expressed their deepest sympathies to Gold and said: 'Everyone at BT Sport sends their condolences to the friends, family and colleagues of West Ham co-chairman, David Gold. 1936-2023.'

Curtis Woodhouse, who played for Birmingham while Gold was a co-owner at the club also said: 'Really sad to hear the news about David Gold passing. I had some difficult times at Birmingham and when everybody else was trying to sack me, David reached out to try and help me. That meant a lot to me then but even more to me now I’m older and I understand. RIP David.'

John Smith, an agent, added: 'I really liked David Gold ! He was a gentleman and a delight to work with. He leaves a great football legacy - we’ll miss his charm, charisma and friendship. RIP David.'

Gold, who grew up at 442 Green Street, directly opposite the Boleyn Ground, was a lifelong Hammer and it was in January 2010 when he fulfilled a dream by becoming co-chairman of West Ham.

West Ham are due to face Leeds away on Wednesday night, during which there will be tributes made to Gold, who died with his daughters, Jacqueline and Vanessa, and his fiancée Lesley, by his side on Wednesday morning.