Bonds had a stand at West Ham’s stadium named after him in 2019
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West Ham legend Billy Bonds – the club’s record appearance maker who captained them to two FA Cup wins – has died aged 79.
Bonds played 799 times for the Hammers and led them to FA Cup titles in 1975 and 1980.
He spent 21 years as a player with the Hammers between 1967-1988 and also managed them from 1990 to 1994.
“We are heartbroken to announce that we lost our beloved dad today,” said a family statement.
“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.”
Bonds won four player of the year awards at West Ham
West Ham said it was with “deep sadness and the heaviest of hearts” that their “legendary player, coach and manager” had passed away peacefully on Sunday morning.
The club added: “A period of appreciation to honour Billy will be held before kick-off at today’s Premier League home fixture v Liverpool, and a full tribute will take place at our next home fixture against Aston Villa, on Sunday, 14 December.
“Further tributes will also appear across club channels in the coming days.
“Rest in peace Billy, our courageous, inspirational, lion-hearted leader.”
Bonds joined West Ham from Charlton Athletic for £47,000 in May 1967 and, along with the FA Cup successes, he also won the old second division title with the club.
He was awarded an MBE for services to football in 1988 before going on to take over as Hammers manager in 1990.
Bonds twice won promotion into English football’s top division and left West Ham in 1994 “after 27 years of impeccable service”.
He was given the club’s first ever lifetime achievement award in 2013 and, five years later, the Hammers fans voted him their greatest ever player.
In 2019, Bonds had a stand at West Ham’s London Stadium home named after him as he joined fellow club greats Bobby Moore and Sir Trevor Brooking in being recognised in this way.
“It’s a great honour and means so much to me and my family,” he said at the time.
“To think that I am only the third West Ham player to receive this honour after Bobby Moore and Trevor Brooking – you can’t get better than that.”
