Billy Bonds has died aged 79. He was the very embodiment of the West Ham spirit, the bearded and buccaneering captain who later managed the club, a figure of huge significance who fits alongside World Cup-winning trio Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters in the Hammers’ Hall Of Fame.
“Rest in peace Billy, our courageous, inspirational, lion-hearted leader” read West Ham United’s statement announcing his death – and every one of the club’s supporters who watched Bonds play, or heard about his deeds, will echo that message.
Bonds joined West Ham from Charlton Athletic for £47,000 in May 1967, the start of a magnificent 21-year career on the field that saw him become the club’s longest-serving player, making 799 appearances.
He was initially signed as a right-back before becoming an outstanding midfielder who later played as an accomplished central defender, proving a worthy successor to Moore as West Ham captain when he departed for Fulham in 1974.
Bonds subsequently led West Ham to two FA Cup wins, against Fulham, who had Moore in their team, in 1975, then a shock win as a Second Division side against Arsenal in 1980, Sir Trevor Brooking’s header proving decisive.
