Joe Cole has paid a grateful tribute to Billy Bonds after the West Ham United legend passed away at the age of 79.
With Liverpool arriving at the London Stadium for Sunday’s lunchtime kick-off, the West Ham supporters will have their chance to bid a fond farewell to a man who made a record 799 appearances in the iconic claret and blue jersey between 1967 and 1988.
Billy Bonds, the only player in Hammers history to captain the club to two FA Cup triumphs, passed away this weekend.
As such, West Ham United will honour one of their greatest-ever players before the whistle blows against the reigning Premier League champions, in what is likely to be an emotional afternoon in the capital.
Bonds returned to his beloved club as a coach following his retirement, eventually taking over as manager in 1990. He was therefore at the helm when Joe Cole joined West Ham’s youth team, and the former England international only has the fondest of memories about a truly legendary figure.
Joe Cole says Billy Bonds was ‘synonymous’ with West Ham United
Speaking on TNT Sports ahead of that Liverpool clash, Cole recalled with great fondness how he and his family were welcomed into the fold by a man who represented the club beautifully across nearly 30 years of service.
“Billy Bonds was the manager when I signed as a kid,” Cole says. “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.”
“I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times as well,” added Peter Crouch, the former Liverpool, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur striker. “A great man, a legend at West Ham, and all West Ham supporters will be very thankful for the job he did for the club.
“First and foremost, just a great person.”
West Ham pay Bonds tribute as legendary defender passes away
Back in 2018, Bonds was honoured with his very own stand at the London Stadium after being voted by the supporters as West Ham’s greatest-ever player.
Remarkably, his tally of 799 appearances is over 120 more than the man second on that list, Frank Lampard Sr.
“We are heartbroken to announce that we lost our beloved Dad today. He was devoted to his family and was the most kind, loyal, selfless, and loving person,” reads a statement provided by the Bonds family, via West Ham’s official website.
“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,” the club wrote on their social media channels.
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. Rest in peace Billy, our courageous, inspirational, lion-hearted leader.
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