Seldom will West Ham United’s captain’s armband have felt more meaningful, as Jarrod Bowen leads his team out against Liverpool determined to do justice to the memory of the dearly-departed Billy Bonds.
West Ham will pay tribute to their legendary skipper ahead of Sunday’s 2.05pm kick-off.
To borrow Joe Cole’s words, Billy Bonds was ‘synonymous… with everything good’ about the London giants.
His record tally of 799 appearances may never be beaten. And while Jarrod Bowen still dreams of FA Cup success in claret and blue, Bonds remains the only player in West Ham United’s history to captain them to that iconic trophy on two separate occasions.
Jarrod Bowen pays tribute to Billy Bonds before West Ham United vs Liverpool
Speaking to Sky Sports as West Ham look to end their four-year wait for a Premier League victory over Liverpool, Bowen spoke about the burning desire to mark Billy Bonds’ passing with a performance befitting a bonafide king of the club.
“I think you can see the reaction online from everyone already. What he meant for this club, what he achieved at this club, obviously he had a stand named after him as well. It’s a sad day for everyone. It’s never nice when a club legend, like him…” Bowen said.
“Condolences to his family. I know the fans here will make noise for him today as well, which will be a good thing for him and his family.”
Captain privileged to follow in Bonds’ Hammers footsteps
Bowen follows in a long line of beloved West Ham skippers, from Mark Noble to Declan Rice, Paulo di Canio to Julian Dicks, Bobby Moore to Billy Bonds.
The man currently wearing the armband knows that, no matter how many more goals he scores between now and the day he hangs up his boots, he will never dislodge Bonds as the iconic face of West Ham United Football Club.
“He’s probably going to go down as West Ham’s biggest legend and the best club captain they’ve had as well,” Bowen added. “He achieved so much here. I’ll never emulate that success, but to put on the captain’s armband like he did is a big thing for me.
“To have a game today, [a fitting tribute] is what I want to show and what the team want to show as well.”
Joe Cole reflects on how Bonds welcomed him to West Ham
Bonds returned to Upton Park as a youth team coach and then as the manager in 1990. He was at the helm when the aforementioned Joe Cole joined the academy three decades ago.
“Billy Bonds was the manager when I signed as a kid,” Cole tells TNT Sports. “He was really kind to me and my family.
“Growing up at West Ham, his name was synonymous with the club. Everything that was good about West Ham, Billy Bonds, that was him.
“It’s really sad news. Thoughts and prayers with his family.”
The Woolwich-born Bonds was signed by West Ham from Charlton Athletic all the way back in 1967, under the stewardship of Ron Greenwood. He won the club’s Player of the Year award on four separate occasions, and was awarded an MBE in 1988.
“We are heartbroken to announce that we lost our beloved Dad today,” reads a statement provided by the Bonds family, via West Ham’s official website. “He was devoted to his family and was the most kind, loyal, selfless, and loving person.
“Dad loved West Ham United and its wonderful supporters with all his heart and treasured every moment of his time at the Club.
“He will always be in our hearts and eternally missed. We take comfort knowing that his legacy will live on forever.”
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