West Ham United legend Billy Bonds, the club’s longest-serving player with 799 appearances and two-time FA Cup winner, has died aged 79
LONDON: West Ham United legend Billy Bonds has died at the age of 79, the Premier League club announced on Sunday.
The former captain and manager made 799 appearances across a 21-year career with the east London club, making him West Ham’s longest-serving player.
Bonds lifted the FA Cup twice as captain in 1975 and 1980, also reaching the 1976 European Cup Winners’ Cup final.
He won the old Second Division with the Hammers and later secured promotion as manager in both 1991 and 1993.
“We are heartbroken to announce that we lost our beloved Dad today,” a statement from Bonds’ family said.
“He was devoted to his family and was the most kind, loyal, selfless, and loving person.”
The family added that Bonds “loved West Ham United and its wonderful supporters with all his heart.”
Bonds left the Hammers in 1994 when replaced as manager by his assistant Harry Redknapp.
Voted the club’s greatest ever player, Bonds has a stand named in his honour at West Ham’s London Stadium.
“Never one to crave the limelight, he was universally loved, respected and admired,” a West Ham club statement said.
The club described Bonds as their “courageous, inspirational, lion-hearted leader.”
West Ham confirmed there would be a period of appreciation to honour Bonds ahead of Sunday’s home game against Liverpool.
A full tribute is scheduled before the fixture with Aston Villa at the London Stadium on December 14.
Former West Ham midfielder Joe Cole paid tribute, saying Bonds was “really kind to me and my family.”
“Growing up at West Ham, his name’s synonymous with the club,” Cole added. – AFP