West Ham have release a statement ahead of its game against Liverpool after Hammers legend Billy Bonds passed away on Sunday morning aged 79.
Bonds made a remarkable 799 appearances over a 21-year career, captaining West Ham to two FA Cup victories and a Second Division title. He won four Hammer of the Year awards, received two testimonials, a PFA Merit Award, and was honored with an MBE for his services to football.
After retiring at 41, Bonds transitioned into coaching within the club’s Youth Team. In February 1990, he was appointed first-team manager, guiding West Ham to promotion from Division Two and an FA Cup semi-final in 1991.
Following relegation in 1992, he immediately secured promotion back to the top flight in 1993, helping the club reach the Premier League for the first time.
In a heartfelt statement, Bond's family 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.”
In 2013, he received the club’s first-ever Lifetime Achievement award, and in 2018, fans voted him West Ham’s greatest-ever player. A year later, he made an emotional appearance at London Stadium as the Billy Bonds Stand was unveiled in his honor.
On the club's website, West Ham said: "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 grand-daughters Eloise and Elissa.
A banner outside the Billy Bonds stand prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium
A banner outside the Billy Bonds stand prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium (Image: Getty Images)
"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’s 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."
A moment of tribute to honor Billy Bonds will take place before kick-off ahead of this afternoon’s clash with Liverpool.