A grandstand is named after him
Traditional club mourns club legend
November 30, 2025 – 1:55 p.mReading time: 1 min.
West Ham United mourns the loss of a club legend. He shaped the club over a period of over 20 years.
West Ham United has to say goodbye to one of its greats: Billy Bonds has died at the age of 79. As his family announced via the club, he died “peacefully” on Sunday.
Bonds shaped the club like no other. He played for the Hammers for 21 years, playing 799 games. As captain, he led the club to two FA Cup victories and was later honored with a British knighthood for his services to football. After his playing career ended, Bonds returned as a coach and led West Ham to the Premier League twice.
In 2019, the club named a stand at the London Stadium after him. National player Niclas Füllkrug is currently under contract there.
In a statement, the club paid tribute to its former player and coach: “Rest in peace, Billy, our brave, inspiring, brave leader.” Bonds never sought the spotlight and was nevertheless “universally loved, respected and admired by his teammates, players and supporters.”