West Ham United legend Billy Bonds has passed away peacefully aged 79.
Bonds remains the longest-serving player in West Ham’s history and made 799 appearance for the club across a 21-year career (1967-1988) and twice won the FA Cup as captain.
He also won the Second Division title, four Hammer of the Year awards, had two testimonials, and claimed both a PFA merit award and an MBE for services to football.
The club shared a statement from Bonds’ family on Sunday afternoon which reads: “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.”
The club added it shared the news “with deep sadness and the heaviest of hearts”, and paid tribute to “our courageous, inspirational, lion-hearted leader”.
Following his playing career, Bonds became first-team manager in 1990 and led West Ham to promotion from Division Two as well as to the FA Cup semi-final in 1991.
Bonds also brought the club back to the top flight in 1993 following their relegation the previous year, becoming their first Premier League manager after the division was renamed.
In 2013 was presented with the club’s first-ever Lifetime Achievement award and he was voted by fans as West Ham United’s greatest-ever player five years later, having dedicated 27 years of service to the Irons.
The London Stadium named the Billy Bonds Stand in his honour.
Bonds is survived by daughters Claire and Katie, and grand-daughters Eloise and Elissa.
West Ham also confirmed that a period of appreciation to honour Bonds will be held before kick-off at today’s Premier League home fixture against Liverpool.
