West Ham legend Billy Bonds dies aged 79

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.”

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.

They added: “Rest in peace Billy, our courageous, inspirational, lion-hearted leader.”

Bonds, who played as a defender and midfielder, 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 made his final appearance in April 1988 aged 41 and Bonds, who received an MBE for services to football in the same year, went on to take over as Hammers manager in 1990.

Bonds, who never played for England, 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.”

West Ham hosted Liverpool in a league game that kicked-off at 14:05 GMT on Sunday and the players wore black armbands for the match.

There was a period of applause at the stadium before current Hammers captain Jarrod Bowen laid a shirt – with Bonds’ name and the number four on it – in front of the stand named after the club’s distinguished player.

Fans also applauded in the fourth minute of the match in tribute to Bonds, while West ham said a full tribute will take place at the club’s next home game against Aston Villa.

“It’s a sad day for everyone,” said forward Bowen before the game. “Our condolences all go to his family.

“He’s probably going to go down as West Ham’s biggest legend – the best captain that the club have had.

“He achieved so much and I’ll never emulate that success, but to put on the captain’s armband like he did, for me, is a big thing.”

West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who was appointed in September following the departure of Graham Potter, said hearing the news of Bonds’ death was a “sad moment for all of us at the club”.

“Billy Bonds represented what West Ham is all about,” he said.

“I did not have the chance to meet him, but I know that our fans are feeling sad. Let’s support the family and give a good day in memory of Billy Bonds.”

Former West Ham attacking midfielder Joe Cole came through the ranks at the club also paid tribute to Bonds.

“Billy Bonds was manager when I signed as a kid and he was really kind to me and my family,” said Cole.

“Growing up at West Ham, his name’s synonymous with the club. 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.”