West Ham legend Billy Bonds dies aged 79 – as club pays tribute to former player and manager

Legendary former West Ham player, coach and manager Billy Bonds has died aged 79.

The club said Bonds passed away peacefully on Sunday morning.

Bonds made a record 799 appearances for the Hammers, leading them to two FA Cup victories in 1975 and 1980.

After playing for 21 years as a football player, after his retirement he took charge of the team for several years from 1990 to 1994. During this period, he helped the team to be promoted to the top tier twice and took charge of 227 matches.

He also played for Charlton and managed Millwall.

The statement made by West Ham from Bonds’ family included the following statements: ‘We are saddened to announce that we lost our beloved father today. He was the most kind, loyal, selfless and loving person in the world, devoted to his family.

He captained the Hammers to two FA Cups in 1975 and 1980 and made 799 appearances.

After coaching the club for several years, Bonds became the club’s manager in 1980.

‘My father loved West Ham United and its wonderful fans with all his heart and cherished every moment of his time at the club.

‘He will always be in our hearts and will be missed forever. We take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on forever.’

Bonds was born in Woolwich, South East London. At 15, after leaving school, he joined Charlton as a member of the grounds team and played for the youth team before making his League debut in February 1965.

In 2019, the club renamed the East Stand at the London Stadium the Billy Bonds Stand as a tribute to his legendary status. Bonds was there that day and burst into tears on the field when he saw the love from the fans.

He was awarded the MBE for his services to football in 1988, the year he retired as a player. In 2018 he was voted the fans’ best ever West Ham player.

News of his death came just hours before West Ham’s Premier League match against Liverpool at the London Stadium. The club will hold a tribute period ahead of the match and will hold a full tribute at their next home game against Aston Villa on 14 December.

The club added in a statement: ‘An extremely private and loyal man, Billy was completely devoted to his family; his wife Marilyn, who sadly passed away in 2020, his daughters Claire and Katie, and his grandchildren Eloise and Elissa.

‘He was never one to crave the limelight; He was universally loved, respected and admired by his team-mates, players and fans, who will forever see them as ‘Billy Bonds’ Maroon and Blue Army’.

‘The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at West Ham United are with Claire, Katie, Eloise and Elissa as they come to terms with their loss and we ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this sad and difficult time.

A West Ham fan poses next to a photo of Billy Bonds outside the London Stadium

Bonds with the Evening Standard’s ‘footballer of the month’ award and a bottle of Charles Heidsieck champagne in 1974

Bonds celebrates with Trevor Brooking and Alan Taylor after winning the FA Cup in 1975

‘Rest in peace Billy, our brave, inspiring, lion-hearted leader.’

Joe Cole said on TNT Sports: ‘Billy Bonds was the manager when I signed as a kid. He was really kind to me and my family.

‘Growing up at West Ham and knowing his name is synonymous with the club… everything that’s good about West Ham, Billy Bonds, that’s him.

‘This is truly sad news; Thoughts and prayers are with his family.’

Peter Crouch added: ‘I myself had the pleasure of meeting him a few times. A great guy, obviously a legend at West Ham and all West Ham fans will be grateful for the job he did for the club.

‘But above all he was a wonderful person.’

Hammers captain Jarrod Bowen told Sky Sports: ‘I think you can see the reaction, what he means to this club and what he’s achieved for this club. It’s a sad day for everyone. We offer our condolences to his family.

‘West Ham’s greatest legend will be remembered as the best captain they ever had. ‘I will never emulate that success, but wearing that captain’s armband is a big deal for me too.’

Bonds smiles broadly as he stands next to fellow club legend Brooking in 1975

His first professional club, Charlton, for whom he played from 1965 to 1967, wrote about X: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former player Billy Bonds MBE. Our thoughts are with Billy’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.’

When you look back at Bonds’ stories, you will see the unique courage and personality that made him the man he was.

Recalling how he once prepared for matches, he said: ‘I would block with the wall to get used to the tackle. Do a few stretches, a few sprints from one end of the gym to the other.

‘You knocked on the door a few times and went out and played. That was my warm-up.’

One fan wrote: ‘Growing up as a West Ham fan in the 90s and 2000s you knew straight away who Billy Bonds was. He had drilled into you what he meant and that he was the epitome of what the club was all about.

‘Loyal, tough, classy and hugely successful in his time as West Ham’s player and manager.

‘Billy Bonds has a stand named after him at the London Stadium because he surpassed the ‘legend’. He is an icon and such a part of the West Ham fabric that he will never be forgotten. I write this with real sadness.’

Another wrote: ‘There are not enough words to describe how much this man means to me. When you were a kid you wanted to be Billy Bonds. He was West Ham’s Bionic Man in the 70s; He made daring tackles, scored explosive goals to avoid relegation, and was a marauding pirate captain ready to do anything to get the ball. RIP Bonzo.’