Tony Cottee and Joe Cole lead tributes as West Ham legend Billy Bonds dies aged 79
West Ham United players past and present have been paying their tributes following the news that Irons legend Billy Bonds has died aged 79.
West Ham announced in a statement via his family on Sunday that Bonds passed away peacefully earlier in the day.
Bonds is one of the West Ham’s greatest ever players and is the longest-serving player in the East London club’s history, having made 799 appearances across 21 years.
During that legendary spell, Bonds lifted the FA Cup twice and the second division title, while being crowned the club’s Player of the Year four times.
‘An incredible footballer, leader and captain’ – Tony Cottee
Unsurprisingly, West Ham players past and present, as well as some well-known celebrity figures, have been paying their respects.
The news broke ahead of West Ham’s home clash with Liverpool, for which there will be a period of appreciation prior to kickoff.
A full tribute will then be held ahead of the clash with Aston Villa at the London Stadium on 14 December.
Posting on X shortly after the news dropped, Tony Cottee wrote: “Can’t believe the news about Bonzo… One of my heroes growing up and I then had the pleasure of playing with him.
“An incredible footballer, leader and captain but above all else a very humble and fantastic person. RIP Bill. I will miss you mate.”
Another former West Ham player, Don Hutchison, posted: “What a man. An absolute rock. I Had the pleasure of meeting him at Chadwell Heath a few times – such a nice man. Also, what a player.”
Joe Cole was working as a pundit on TNT Sports when told the news.
He said: “Billy Bonds was the manager when I signed for the club and he was really kind to me and my family. Growing up at West Ham, his name is synonymous with the club.
“Everything that’s good about West Ham, that was Billy Bonds. So it’s really sad news and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Fellow pundit Peter Crouch added: “I also had the pleasure of meeting him a few times. He’s a great man and a legend at West Ham.
“All West Ham supporters will be thankful for the job he did for the club. He was a great person.”
- Read more: Billy Bonds – a great, an icon and a legend
Ray Winstone and Carlton Cole also pay tribute to Billy Bonds
Bonds will forever be remembered by all those at the London Stadium, where he has a stand named after him.
The Woolwich native, who also managed the Hammers, made an impact on every last West Ham player and supporter.
- Appearances: 799
- Years at West Ham: 1967–1988
- Trophies: Two FA Cups, Football League Second Division
One of those, actor Ray Winston, paid his own tribute via Instagram as he said: “Rest in peace, dear Billy. What a man.”
Former West Ham striker Carlton Cole also commented on West Ham’s official post, saying: “R.I.P dear Billy Bonds.”
West Ham fans in attendance for the Liverpool game will be sure to pay their own respects to one of the all-time greats.
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