West Ham mourns the legendary Billy Bonds

Billy Bonds, a true West Ham legend, the club’s record number of appearances and captain in the two FA Cup victories, has died. Bonds, who turned 79 last Sept. 17, played 799 games with the Hammers and guided them to FA Cup titles in 1975 and 1980. He spent 21 years as a player at the club, from 1967 to 1988, and also coached the team from 1990 to 1994.

“We are devastated to announce that today we have lost our beloved Dad – said the family -He was a man dedicated to his family, the kindest, most loyal, selfless and loving person. Dad loved West Ham United and its wonderful fans with all his heart and cherished every moment he lived at the club. He will always remain in our hearts and we will miss him forever. It comforts us to know that his legacy will live on forever”.

Bonds arrived at West Ham from Charlton Athletic for £47,000 in May 1967 and, in addition to his FA Cup successes, he also won the old Second Division title with the club. His last game was in April 1988, at the age of 41. That same year he received the MBE for services to soccer, before becoming coach of the Hammers in 1990. As a coach he achieved two promotions to England’s top division and left the London club in 1994.

In 2013 he was awarded the first lifetime achievement award in the club’s history and, five years later, Hammers fans voted him the greatest player ever. In 2019 a stand at the London Stadium was named after Bonds, thus joining other club icons such as Bobby Moore and Trevor Brooking.