Bonds was the longest-serving player for the Irons, making 799 appearances across a 21-year career which saw him lift the FA Cup twice as well as winning the old Second Division.
After moving into coaching, initially with the youth team, Bonds was appointed manager in February 1990, securing promotion from Division Two.
After relegation in 1992, he then took the Upton Park club back into the top flight at the start of the Premier League era.
Bonds – who had been signed from Charlton in May 1967, going on to captain West Ham to FA Cup success in both 1975 and 1980 – left the Irons in 1994, when he was replaced in the manager’s job by his best friend and assistant, Harry Redknapp.
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.
— West Ham United (@WestHam) November 30, 2025
He was later voted the club’s greatest player and has a stand named in his honour at their new London Stadium home.
Former West Ham captain and coach Billy Bonds dies aged 79
A statement released on Sunday by Bonds ’ family via West Ham said: “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.”
Tributes paid to West Ham’s “best captain” Billy Bonds
West Ham paid a moving tribute to former captain and manager Billy Bonds ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against Liverpool.
Current West Ham skipper Jarrod Bowen paid tribute to Bonds as the “best captain” in the history of the club, and held up a number four shirt as the players gathered in the centre-circle ahead of kick-off against Liverpool.
Players wore black armbands, and images of Bonds were displayed on the main screens before an announcement was made ahead of applause.
Afterwards, Bowen went to place the shirt on the turf in front of the Billy Bonds Stand.
From one captain to another ❤️
Jarrod Bowen pays respect to the late Billy Bonds, in front of the stand named after him. pic.twitter.com/cMIds59jY0
— West Ham United (@WestHam) November 30, 2025
West Ham are also planning a full tribute to take place before the fixture with Aston Villa at the London Stadium on December 14.
Bowen, speaking to Sky Sports, said: “You can see the reaction from everyone online already, what he meant to this club, what he achieved at this club, obviously a stand named after him as well, so it is a sad day for everyone.
“It is never nice when a club legend like him (dies). Our condolences go to his family.
“I know the supporters here will make noise for him today as well, which will be a good thing for him and his family as well.”
Bowen added: “He is probably going to go down as West Ham’s biggest legend, the best club captain that they have had as well.
“He achieved so much here. I will never emulate that success, but to put on the captain’s armband, especially like he did as well, for me is a big, big thing, so to have a game today as well is what I want to show and what the team want to show as well.”
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo said hearing the news of Bonds’ death was a “sad moment for all of us at the club”.
Nuno, also speaking on Sky Sports, said: “Billy Bonds represented what West Ham is all about.
“I did not have the chance to meet him, but I know that our fans are feeling sad, but let’s support the family and give a good day in memory of Billy Bonds.”
I cried when I was told about the passing of Billy Bonds, I had many many arguments with Billy sometimes nearly to fisty cuffs, but if I had to pick one player to be in my side, he would be the 1st on the team sheet every single time , Will miss you Billy. ⚒️⚒️⚒️❤️ pic.twitter.com/PZWE3Ek4K7
— Julian Dicks (@JulianDicks3050) November 30, 2025
Former Irons defender Julian Dicks, posting on social media, added: “I cried when I was told about the passing of Billy Bonds. I had many, many arguments with Billy, sometimes nearly to fisty cuffs, but if I had to pick one player to be in my side he would be the first on the team sheet every single time. Will miss you Billy.”
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Former West Ham forward Tony Cottee, who played alongside Bonds, also paid tribute to Bonds on social media, describing him as one of his “heroes growing up”.
Ex-midfielder Joe Cole told TNT Sports that Bonds was “everything that’s good about West Ham”.
While former Irons goalkeeper Rob Green said the sadness at Bonds’ death would be “something that will resonate throughout the generations of West Ham fans”.
Green continued: “As soon as you join the club, it is one of the names mentioned, and that is something which is part of West Ham.”
