Billy Bonds: West Ham legend dies aged 79
Updated 30/11/2025 at 15:40 GMT
West Ham legend Billy Bonds has died at the age of 79. Bonds made nearly 800 appearances for The Hammers during a remarkable 21-year spell as a player, twice captaining them to FA Cup glory, in 1975 and 1980. He then managed the club from 1990 to 1994. Bonds was one of the most beloved characters ever to be associated with the east London club, who announced the news with "deep sadness".
'Everything that is good about West Ham' - Cole and Crouch pay tribute to Billy Bonds
Video credit: TNT Sports
West Ham legend Billy Bonds has died at the age of 79.
He was the London club's record appearance maker - playing in 799 games - and captained his side to two FA Cup wins during his two decades as a player with the Hammers.
West Ham beat Fulham in the 1975 final to win the famous trophy, before shocking Arsenal 1-0 in the 1980 showpiece.
Bonds, who also played for Charlton as a youngster, later managed West Ham from 1990 to 1994, before a short spell in charge of Millwall.
Speaking during TNT Sports' live coverage of the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United on Sunday, former West Ham midfielder Joe Cole said: "Billy Bonds was manager when I signed [for West Ham] as a kid. He was really kind to me and my family.
"Growing up at West Ham, his name's synonymous with the club. Everything that's good about West Ham, that was him. It's really sad news and thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Former Liverpool and Tottenham striker Peter Crouch added: "I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times. Great man, obviously a legend at West Ham.
"All West Ham fans will be very thankful for the job he did at the club. But first and foremost, he was just a great person."
"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 reported Bonds' passing with "deep sadness and the heaviest of hearts", and confirmed he would be honoured at upcoming fixtures.
The club said: "Rest in peace Billy, our courageous, inspirational, lion-hearted leader."
Current West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen held a shirt with Bonds’ No 4 aloft as fans applauded at the London Stadium before the Premier League meeting with Liverpool on Sunday. Bowen then laid the shirt in front of the stand which was named in Bonds' honour in 2019.
"It's a sad day for everyone," Bowen said 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."
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