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![\"Daniel](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/danlewis-150x150.jpg\")
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Sun 30 November 2025 12:25, UK <\/p>\n
West Ham United players past and present have been paying their tributes following the news that Irons legend Billy Bonds has died aged 79.<\/p>\n
West Ham<\/a> announced in a statement via his family on Sunday that Bonds<\/a> passed away peacefully earlier in the day.<\/p>\n Bonds is one of the West Ham\u2019s greatest ever players<\/a> and is the longest-serving player in the East London club\u2019s history, having made 799 appearances across 21 years. <\/p>\n During that legendary spell, Bonds lifted the FA Cup twice and the second division title, while being crowned the club\u2019s Player of the Year four times.<\/p>\n It is with deep sadness and the heaviest of hearts that West Ham United announces the passing this morning of legendary player, coach and manager, Billy Bonds MBE.<\/p>\n Rest in peace Billy, our courageous, inspirational, lion-hearted leader.<\/p>\n \u2014 West Ham United (@WestHam) November 30, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n View Tweet<\/p>\n \u2018An incredible footballer, leader and captain\u2019 \u2013 Tony Cottee<\/p>\n Unsurprisingly, West Ham players past and present, as well as some well-known celebrity figures, have been paying their respects.<\/p>\n The news broke ahead of West Ham\u2019s home clash with Liverpool<\/a>, for which there will be a period of appreciation prior to kickoff.<\/p>\n A full tribute will then be held ahead of the clash with Aston Villa at the London Stadium<\/a> on 14 December.<\/p>\n Posting on X shortly after the news dropped, Tony Cottee wrote: \u201cCan\u2019t believe the news about Bonzo\u2026 One of my heroes growing up and I then had the pleasure of playing with him. <\/p>\n \u201cAn incredible footballer, leader and captain but above all else a very humble and fantastic person. RIP Bill. I will miss you mate.\u201d<\/p>\n Another former West Ham player, Don Hutchison, posted: \u201cWhat a man. An absolute rock. I Had the pleasure of meeting him at Chadwell Heath a few times \u2013 such a nice man. Also, what a player.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe Cole was working as a pundit on TNT Sports when told the news.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cBilly 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.<\/p>\n \u201cEverything that\u2019s good about West Ham, that was Billy Bonds. So it\u2019s really sad news and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.\u201d<\/p>\n Fellow pundit Peter Crouch added: \u201cI also had the pleasure of meeting him a few times. He\u2019s a great man and a legend at West Ham. <\/p>\n \u201cAll West Ham supporters will be thankful for the job he did for the club. He was a great person.\u201d<\/p>\n Ray Winstone and Carlton Cole also pay tribute to Billy Bonds<\/p>\n Bonds will forever be remembered by all those at the London Stadium<\/a>, where he has a stand named after him.<\/p>\n The Woolwich native, who also managed the Hammers, made an impact on every last West Ham player and supporter.<\/p>\n Appearances: 799Years at West Ham: 1967\u20131988Trophies: Two FA Cups, Football League Second Division<\/p>\n One of those, actor Ray Winston, paid his own tribute via Instagram as he said: \u201cRest in peace, dear Billy. What a man.\u201d<\/p>\n Former West Ham striker Carlton Cole also commented on West Ham\u2019s official post, saying: \u201cR.I.P dear Billy Bonds.\u201d<\/p>\n West Ham fans in attendance for the Liverpool game will be sure to pay their own respects to one of the all-time greats.<\/p>\n Enjoyed this article?\u00a0Stay connected with all the latest West Ham United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account \u2013\u00a0@westhamzone247<\/a><\/p>\n