West Ham United confirmed that the club’s legendary former captain Billy Bonds passed away on Sunday at the age of 79.
Bonds spent more than two decades at the east London club between 1967–88, amassing a record 799 appearances. Joining a team peppered with World Cup winners from Charlton Athletic, the towering midfielder would serve as Bobby Moore’s successor as West Ham skipper from 1974.
The longest-ever reign as a captain in club history began well. Bonds marked his first campaign wearing the armband with triumph in the FA Cup. The London-born talisman remains the only captain in West Ham’s 130-year history to achieve that feat twice, inspiring the Hammers to a historic upset in the 1980 Wembley showpiece against Arsenal while they were a second-tier side.
The former player, coach and manager is survived by his daughters Claire and Katie, and granddaughters Eloise and Elissa. A statement from the family 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.”
