West Ham United have announced that club legend Billy Bonds has passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, aged 79. Their thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends and the entire Hammers faithful.
Billy Bonds remains the longest-serving player in the club’s history, having made a record 799 first-team appearances over a 21-year career (1967–1988).
Signed from Charlton Athletic in May 1967, Bonds quickly became a mainstay under manager Ron Greenwood. Initially deployed as a right-back, he later flourished in midfield and — after 1974 — succeeded Bobby Moore as captain.
Under his leadership, West Ham lifted the FA Cup twice: first in 1975 with a victory over Fulham, and again in 1980 — when still a Second Division club — defeating top-flight opposition.
Beyond silverware, Bonds earned widespread admiration for his boundless commitment, leadership, and resilience. He won four Hammer-of-the-Year awards, was honoured with a PFA merit award, and in 1988 was appointed an MBE for his services to football.
After retiring as a player in 1988 at age 41, Bonds remained at the club — first as a youth-team coach, then assuming the role of first-team manager in February 1990. In that capacity, he guided West Ham back to the top flight twice: first in 1991, and again in 1993 following relegation.
His lifelong devotion to West Ham was recognised in 2013 with the club’s first-ever Lifetime Achievement award. In 2018, supporters voted him the club’s greatest-ever player; and in 2019 the East Stand at the London Stadium was renamed the “Billy Bonds Stand” — a fitting tribute to a player whose legacy is woven into the fabric of this club.
“We are heartbroken to announce that we lost our beloved Dad today,” his family said in a statement. “He loved West Ham United and its 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.”
Billy Bonds embodied the spirit of West Ham United — loyalty, passion, leadership and dignity. He stood for everything this club has ever represented. His name will forever echo in the terraces, in the stands, and in the hearts of all who wore claret and blue. Rest in peace, Billy — thank you for everything. ⚒
Billy Bonds remains the longest-serving player in the club’s history, having made a record 799 first-team appearances over a 21-year career (1967–1988).
Signed from Charlton Athletic in May 1967, Bonds quickly became a mainstay under manager Ron Greenwood. Initially deployed as a right-back, he later flourished in midfield and — after 1974 — succeeded Bobby Moore as captain.
Under his leadership, West Ham lifted the FA Cup twice: first in 1975 with a victory over Fulham, and again in 1980 — when still a Second Division club — defeating top-flight opposition.
Beyond silverware, Bonds earned widespread admiration for his boundless commitment, leadership, and resilience. He won four Hammer-of-the-Year awards, was honoured with a PFA merit award, and in 1988 was appointed an MBE for his services to football.
After retiring as a player in 1988 at age 41, Bonds remained at the club — first as a youth-team coach, then assuming the role of first-team manager in February 1990. In that capacity, he guided West Ham back to the top flight twice: first in 1991, and again in 1993 following relegation.
His lifelong devotion to West Ham was recognised in 2013 with the club’s first-ever Lifetime Achievement award. In 2018, supporters voted him the club’s greatest-ever player; and in 2019 the East Stand at the London Stadium was renamed the “Billy Bonds Stand” — a fitting tribute to a player whose legacy is woven into the fabric of this club.
“We are heartbroken to announce that we lost our beloved Dad today,” his family said in a statement. “He loved West Ham United and its 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.”
Billy Bonds embodied the spirit of West Ham United — loyalty, passion, leadership and dignity. He stood for everything this club has ever represented. His name will forever echo in the terraces, in the stands, and in the hearts of all who wore claret and blue. Rest in peace, Billy — thank you for everything. ⚒
Billy Bomds
West Ham United
Legend
Hammers
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