Former West Ham captain and manager Billy Bonds has died at the age of 79, his family has said.
The defender and midfielder, who played 799 games for the Hammers between 1967 and 1988, holds the club’s all-time record for most appearances.
As well as captaining the east London side to FA Cup victories in 1975 and 1980, he also managed them from 1990 to 1994.
During his tenure, the club was promoted to England’s top division, relegated, and then promoted again.
In a statement on West Ham’s website, his family paid tribute, saying: “We are heartbroken to announce that we lost our beloved Dad today.
“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.”
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West Ham gave Bonds a show of appreciation before Sunday’s Premier League home game against Liverpool, with fans participating in a minute of applause.
Captain Jarrod Bowen, who held Bonds’ number four shirt aloft throughout, spoke about the legacy of his predecessor before the opening whistle.
“He’s probably going to go down as West Ham’s biggest legend and the best club captain they’ve had,” he said.
“He achieved so much here and I’ll never emulate that success, but to put on the captain’s armband like he did is a big thing for me.”
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Head Coach Nuno Espírito Santo added: “He represents everything that West Ham is all about – the fight, the desire.
“My thoughts are with his family and with our fans, and let’s use this moment to honour Billy Bonds.”
On its website, West Ham described Bonds as “an extremely private and loyal man” who was “completely devoted to his family”.
The club said he was “never one to crave the limelight,” but was “universally loved, respected and admired by his team-mates, players and supporters”.
West Ham also offered its condolences to Bonds’ daughters, Claire and Katie, and granddaughters, Eloise and Elissa.
“Rest in peace Billy, our courageous, inspirational, lion-hearted leader,” their statement concluded.
Charlton Athletic, where the footballer got his start in 1964, also offered its condolences.
Posting on X, formerly Twitter, the club wrote: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Billy Bonds MBE.
“Our thoughts are with Billy’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”
Bonds was appointed an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in January 1988.
He would say afterwards: “A lot more people have done much more valuable things than play football but I’m very proud of that medal.”
The east stand at West Ham’s London Stadium home is named in his honour in 2019.
He used the occasion to reflect on his career.
He said: “I would’ve happily played down the local park for nothing.
“But I was fortunate enough to get paid to be a footballer and, trust me, realise just how lucky I’ve been to have had such a fantastic career.”
