West Ham legend Billy Bonds dies aged 79 - as club pays tribute to former player and manager

Legendary former West Ham player, coach and manager Billy Bonds has sadly passed away aged 79.

The club said Bonds passed away peacefully on Sunday morning.

Bonds made a record 799 outings for the Hammers, captaining them to two FA Cup triumphs in 1975 and 1980.

After 21 years with them as a player, he went on to manage them a couple of years after retiring, from 1990 to 1994. In that period, he won them promotion to the top tier twice.

A statement from Bonds' family, released by West Ham, 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.'

In 2019, the club renamed the East Stand at the London Stadium the Billy Bonds Stand in a tribute to his legendary status.

He was awarded an MBE for his services to football in 1988, the year that he retired as a player.

Joe Cole said on TNT Sports: 'Billy Bonds was manager when I signed as a kid. He was really kind to me and my family.

'Growing up at West Ham and knowing his name is synonymous with the club... everything that's good about West Ham, Billy Bonds, that's him.

'It's really sad news and thoughts and prayers are with his family.'

Peter Crouch added: 'I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times as well. A great man, obviously he was a legend at West Ham, and all West Ham supporters will be grateful for the job he did for the club.

'But first and foremost, he was just a great person.'

One fan wrote on X: 'Growing up a West Ham fan in the '90s and '00s you just knew who Billy Bonds was. It was ingrained in you what he meant and how he was essentially the epitome of what the club is all about.

'Loyal, tough, classy, and ultimately very successful in his time as a player and manager of West Ham.

'Billy Bonds has a stand named after him at the London Stadium because he exceeds “legend”. He is an icon and is such a part of the West Ham fabric he will never ever be forgotten. I write this with true sadness.'

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