WEST HAM are mourning the loss of club legend Billy Bonds, who has sadly died aged 79.
Bonds’ family announced his passing in a heartbreaking statement, which was relayed by the club, on Sunday.
It read: “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.
“He will always be in our hearts and eternally missed.
“We take comfort knowing that his legacy will live on forever.”
The club’s social media post announcing the passing of their former player, coach and manager read: “It is with deep sadness and the heaviest of hearts that West Ham United announces the passing this morning of legendary player, coach and manager, Billy Bonds MBE.
“Rest in peace Billy, our courageous, inspirational, lion-hearted leader.”
Charlton Athletic, Bonds’ only other club, also paid a heartfelt social media tribute.
It read: “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.”
The cause of Bonds’ death hasn’t been revealed, although his family have revealed he passed “peacefully”.
Tributes poured in for the late Bonds, who is widely considered to be West Ham’s greatest-ever player, after his death became public knowledge.
One Hammers fan wrote on X: “Absolute club legend can’t believe this, my heart goes out to his family now. Let’s go out this afternoon for him and make him proud.”
“Another said: “He was Mr West Ham, beyond compare, never complained, never angled for moves.
“Grafted from day one till the end. RIP, Bill, so glad I caught the end of your playing days and your stint as manager coincided with me attending regularly for the first time.”
And another said: “Heartbreaking news. Probably the biggest legend our club has ever had. RIP.”
One remarked: “So sad. My favourite player amongst the many legends I’ve seen. RIP. Prayers and condolences to his family.”
Another chimed in: “Absolutely devastated. A true legend and hero RIP Billy.”
Heartbroken former Hammers striker Tony Cottee also paid tribute to Bonds online.
He wrote: “Can’t believe the news about Bonzo.
“One of my heroes growing up and I then had the pleasure of playing with him.
Rest in peace Billy, our courageous, inspirational, lion-hearted leader.”
West Ham on Billy Bonds
“An incredible footballer, leader and captain, but above all else a very humble and fantastic person. RIP Bill. I will miss you, mate.”
Bonds’ achievements for the club eclipse those of any other player to have donned the famous claret and blue.
The versatile Bonds, who played in defence and midfield, spent 21 years with the club after joining them from Charlton in 1967.
He made an incredible 799 appearances for the east Londoners, who he captained to two FA Cup triumphs and a Second Division title.
Bonds turned his hand to coaching after retiring aged 41 and worked alongside Tony Carr in the Hammers’ youth team.
He was appointed first team manager in 1990 and guided the club to the Second Division title and an FA Cup semi-final appearance in 1991.
KARREN BRADY: Billy Bonds was the definition of a club legend… he was truly loved and admired by every single West Ham United fan of every age
EVERYONE at West Ham United has been deeply saddened by the passing of Billy Bonds – one of the very greatest players in the Club’s history, and a true giant of English football.
He will stand immortal for his achievements and contribution across 27 years of dedicated service in the claret and blue – a man who captained us to two FA Cup victories, made a record 799 appearances and won four Hammer of the Year awards as a player, and then led us into the Premier League as our manager.
He earned the respect and admiration of everyone who met him – team-mates, opponents, directors, colleagues and, of course, our supporters – who adored him for everything he gave to their club.
The unveiling of the Billy Bonds Stand in 2019 is up there with the very best days we have enjoyed since moving to London Stadium.
I am so glad that we were able to honour Billy in that way, and show him just how truly loved and admired he was by every single West Ham United fan of every age.
Above all, Billy was a wonderful man. Honest, loyal, full of integrity, and devoted to his family.
Our thoughts are with his daughters and granddaughters at this sad and difficult time,
Bonds oversaw relegation back to the Second Division in the 1991/92 season, but he guided the Hammers back to the top-flight the following season, which saw the club become a Premier League team.
Bonds would leave the club in 1994 and would go on to coach rivals Millwall, although his stint with The Lions isn’t held against him by Hammers fans.
West Ham will pay tribute to Bonds with a “period of appreciation” before this afternoon’s match with Liverpool.
They will pay a further tribute to the club titan before the visit of Aston Villa on December 14.
Bonds is survived by his daughters, Claire and Katie and granddaughters, Eloise and Elissa.