Yesterday evening (02/03/2019) saw a special day in the history of my beloved football team West Ham Untied – when one of the stands in its London Stadium home, was officially named after one of the clubs greatest ever, and much loved and respected players – who holds the club record for appearances – the one and only and legendary…….”Billy Bonds” 🥅⚽️🏃♂️ 🔨🔨🔨
Billy was born in Woolwich, south London in 1946.
Billy Bonds made his debut as a professional footballer for Charlton Athletic in February 1965 and became a regular in the first team, going on to make 95 League appearances, and scoring one goal.
He joined West Ham from Charlton Athletic in may 1967 for the sum of £50,000 (I attended my very first Hammers game in the 1967/68 season v Southampton – we lost 1-0 😔).
This quiet and extremely private gentleman, had a swash-buckling buccaneering never-say-die attitude on the pitch, and was well known for his tough tackling and his leadership skills – traits that endeared him to the Hammers faithful, old and new. ⚽️🏃♂️😘
After the departure from West Ham United, of the late great Bobby Moore in March 1974, Bonds was appointed club captain, and went on to lift the FA Cup for West Ham in 1975 (v Fulham – winning 2-0) and again in 1980 (v Arsenal – winning 1-0), and he also led the side to the European Cup Winners Cup Final in 1976 v Anderlecht – a game which unfortunately they lost 4-2. 🏆🏆🥈
Billy played his last competitive game for West Ham in April 1988 age the grand old age of 41 – and clocked up a club record of “799” appearances, which most probably, will never be beaten – especially with the way the game is today. 😋🏅
In 1988 Billy Bonds was awarded the MBE. 🏅😊
In 1990 he returned back to the club when he was appointed first team Manager – winning 2 promotions from Div 2 to Div 1 (now known as the Championship and the Premier League). ⚽️🏆👍
So – before West Ham’s match against Newcastle Utd yesterday evening – as he walked onto the pitch accompanied by his family – Billy Bonds was given a guard of honour consisting of a whole bunch of players that he had played alongside throughout his time at the club – Billy’s entrance was met with a crescendo of applause, cheers and singing, that continued throughout the entire match – and it was clearly evident that this legendary ‘hard man’ of football who never ever pulled-out of a tackle, was truly moved by the occasion and all the respect and love being showered upon him. ⚽️🏃♂️
Accompanied by the club’s joint Chairman David Gold – Billy cut-the-ribbon that officially gave the East Stand (where I have my season ticket) the title of the ‘Billy Bonds Stand’. 🙌👍
A fitting and well deserved tribute to a true West Ham legend – the one and only “Billy Bonds” – an occasion that I can now very happily say “I was there” ☺️ 🔨🔨🔨🔨
The match-day programme for yesterday’s historic occasion for the club
Pitch tributes at the London Stadium – pre the official naming of the Billy Bonds stand
A close-up of pitch tributes at the London Stadium – pre the official naming of the Billy Bonds stand
A close-up of pitch tributes at the London Stadium – pre the official naming of the Billy Bonds stand
Another close-up of pitch tributes at the London Stadium – pre the official naming of the Billy Bonds stand
Billy Bonds in his first season as a Hammer (1967/68)
A typical swash buckling Billy Bonds in action – at Upton Park
Billy Bonds in his playing heyday – showing his buccaneering spirit, so loved by the Hammer’s faithful!!
West Ham captain Billy Bonds lifting the FA Cup in 1975 – when West Ham beat Fulham 2-0
The legendary captain ‘Bonzo’ lifting the FA Cup in 1980 – when an unfancied West Ham beat Arsenal 1-0
Billy Bonds – in his final season for West Ham Utd – having clocked up an astonishing total of 799 games for the club
The London Stadium preparing for the official naming of the ‘Billy Bonds Stand’
Big screen image of Billy Bonds making his entrance onto the London Stadium pitch, before the match against Newcastle
Another big screen image of Billy Bonds making his entrance onto the London Stadium pitch, before the match against Newcastle
Big screen image of an extremely moved Billy Bonds on the London Stadium pitch, before the match against Newcastle
To tumultuous applause – Billy Bonds and his family make their way across the London Stadium pitch – to conduct the official naming ceremony of the ‘Billy Bonds Stand’
Billy Bonds & club joint chairman David Gold – cut-the-ribbon, officially naming the east stand the “Billy Bonds Stand”
A very much treasured personal photo of mine from the mid 1990’s – of my 2 daughters Sarah & Hollie, with Billy Bonds – taken at a charity match
Some old ancient Hammers fan – eagerly awaiting the official naming of the East Stand
I was there Saturday. I met Billy in the Cheapside area of the City of London about a month ago, and he had time to chat and share our mutual love of the Irons. A top man
Great read Geoff. Was a good day over there yesterday
Legend is a word too easily used – not in Billy’s case. A true legend of whom we won’t see the likes of again.
A deserving and fitting tribute to him, who still looks fit enough to take the field.
Legend of the game not just West Ham. Great thing for the club to do
My Dad would have enjoyed this.🤩
They don’t make them like Billy Bonds any more. A deserved honour for a great player.
Agee with every thing you say about him.Love to know the names of the players, doing the Guard of Honour. Been supporting them through thick and thin for almost 75 years now, when my dad first took me to reserve matches, when attendances where around the 7 to 10,000 mark I think, when I got a bit bigger, he then took me to first team matches, he never paid for me as I was allowed to duck under the turnstiles.