RIP Billy Bonds.

One of my mum’s favourite players. In fact, maybe her favourite player after George Best. I remember him as someone I’d put in the top three of any list of best uncapped English players. Started off at right back, moved into midfield and ended up at centreback, but I recall a season in the mid seventies (73/74?) where he played up front because of an injury crisis and responded by scoring something ridiculous like nine in twelve games. From the time I became a football nerd after buying the first ever Rothman’s Yearbook in 1970 at the age of 14 to when I was a man getting towards 40, Billy Bonds was playing for West Ham, it’s hard to think of anyone who deserves the title “club legend” more.

RIP

He was often described as a swashbuckling type of player and captain. As said above, a real club icon and hero. I’d imagine the London Stadium will be very emotional today, especially for the older West Ham fans. RIP Billy.