The Premier League club has announced that Billy Bonds has died today (November 30) at the age of 79.
Bonds, born in Woolwich, holds the record as the longest-serving player for the Irons, racking up 799 appearances over a 21-year career that included two FA Cup triumphs and a Second Division title.
After transitioning into coaching with the youth team, he was named manager in February 1990.
He guided the club to promotion from Division Two and, following relegation in 1992, led Upton Park back to the top flight at the dawn of the Premier League era.
Bonds led West Ham to FA Cup victories in 1975 and 1980 before leaving the club in 1994, with his close friend and assistant Harry Redknapp taking over as manager.
Later recognised as the club’s greatest player, Bonds was also honoured with a stand named after him at the London Stadium.
A statement from Bonds’ family via West Ham 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.”
A statement on the West Ham website says: “An extremely private and loyal man, Billy was completely devoted to his family – wife Marilyn, who sadly passed away in 2020, daughters Claire and Katie, and granddaughters Eloise and Elissa.
“Never one to crave the limelight, he was universally loved, respected and admired by his team-mates, players and supporters, who will forever consider themselves ‘Billy Bonds’ Claret 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 kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this sad and difficult time.
“Rest in peace Billy, our courageous, inspirational, lion-hearted leader.”
West Ham announced a period of appreciation for Bonds ahead of Sunday’s Premier League home clash with Liverpool, with a full tribute scheduled before the London Stadium fixture against Aston Villa on December 14.
