Tributes to West Ham United captain, manager and "lion-hearted leader" Billy Bonds MBE have begun to pour in.
It was confirmed on Sunday morning, a matter of hours before West Ham United take on Liverpool in Stratford, that Bonds had died aged 79.And the tributes to Bonds were led by the club's current skipper Jarrod Bowen, who insisted his predecessor would "go down as West Ham's biggest legend".
“What he meant for this club, what he achieved for this club, it’s a sad day for everyone," said Bowen. "I know the supporters will make noise for him today, which will be a good thing for his family, and our condolences go to them.
"He's probably going to go down as West Ham's biggest legend and the best club captain they've had as well. He achieved so much here and I’ll never emulate that success, but to put on the captain’s armband like he did is a big thing for me."
Joe Cole, who signed for the Hammers in the mid-1990s added: "Billy Bonds was manager when I signed as a kid. He was really kind to me and my family.
“Growing up at West Ham and knowing his name is synonymous with the club... everything that's good about West Ham, Billy Bonds, that's him. It's really sad news and thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Cole's team mate from that Harry Redknapp side of the late 1990s, Trevor Sinclair, added: "I'm sad to hear Billy Bonds has passed away. I met him when he joined QPR and witnessed what a humble [and] great man he was. Condolences to his family, friends and his extended West Ham family."
While Tony Cottee, a former team mate of Bonds' wrote: "I 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."
And hard-man Julian Dicks admitted he sobbed when he learned of Bill's passing early on Sunday morning. "I cried when I was told about the passing of Billy Bonds," he said.
"I had many, many arguments with Billy, sometimes nearly to fisty cuffs, but if I had to pick one player to be in my side he would be the first on the team sheet every single time. Will miss you Billy."
And the tributes continue to pour in from across the football world. Football writer John Cross, commenting on X, said: "Mr West Ham. Lionhearted and courageous. Hard to think of a player who epitomised the values of one club more than Bonzo. What a life to lead. RIP."
While fellow football commentator Alistair Bruce-Ball added: "Legend is the only word you can use to describe Billy Bonds. If you ask any fan to name a player that epitomised their club down the years, most of them would say 'Billy Bonds'."
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