West Ham United legend Billy Bonds has died at the age of 79, the club announced on Sunday. Bonds, the team’s record appearance holder, captained the Hammers to FA Cup victories in 1975 and 1980 and later managed the club from 1990 to 1994.
Bonds played 799 games over a 21-year career, joining from Charlton Athletic in 1967. A versatile defender and midfielder, he helped West Ham win the old second division title and achieved two promotions to the top flight.
The Bonds family said: “We are heartbroken to announce that we lost our beloved dad today… Dad loved West Ham United and its wonderful supporters with all his heart… He will always be in our hearts and eternally missed.”
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Tributes poured in at West Ham’s league game against Liverpool, with players wearing black armbands and fans applauding in the fourth minute. Captain Jarrod Bowen laid a shirt with Bonds’ name and number four in front of the stand named in his honor, saying: “He’s probably going to go down as West Ham’s biggest legend – the best captain that the club have had.”
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo added: “Billy Bonds represented what West Ham is all about… Let’s support the family and give a good day in memory of Billy Bonds.”
Former midfielder Joe Cole said: “Everything that’s good about West Ham, Billy Bonds, that was him. It’s really sad news and thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Bonds, who received an MBE in 1988, was also awarded West Ham’s first lifetime achievement award in 2013, and a stand at London Stadium was named in his honor in 2019.