THE WORLD - THIS MONTH

"Billy Bonds epitomised everything that West Ham United Football Club stands for. Honesty, integrity, commitment, courage and character. He was a gentleman off the pitch and a warrior on it"

-  Words by Keir Radnedge

Another former West Ham United captain, Mark Noble, pays tribute to Hammers great Billy Bonds.

Billy BONDS (1946-2025)

Billy Bonds embodied the ethos of West Ham United, admired for his determination, leadership and loyalty. He began his playing career at Charlton Athletic, making his league debut in 1965, before being sold to West Ham for £47,000 two years later. He made a club record 799 appearances (61 goals), initially at right-back and then in the so-called “silk and steel” midfield alongside Trevor Brooking. Bonds captained the Hammers to FA Cup success in 1975 and 1980 then, as manager, led them to promotions in 1991 and 1993. In 2018, fans voted him the club's greatest-ever player. Later he briefly managed Millwall and was appointed an MBE. In 2019, the East Stand at West Ham's London Stadium was renamed the Billy Bonds Stand.

Daniel WILLINGTON (1942-2025)

Star and later coach of Argentine side Talleres de Cordoba for whom his father had played. Willington scored 66 goals in 168 matches in winning 17 regional titles with Talleres. Later starred in the Velez Sarsfield team that won their first national title in 1968. Also played for Huracan, Instituto de Cordoba and Mexico's Veracruz, and scored once in six appearances for Argentina.

Constantin ZAMFIR (1951-2025)

Nicknamed the “New Gento” by the Spanish media after his speedy displays on the wing in a preseason tour after joining Steaua Bucharest from Petrolul Ploiesti in 1975. Won 11 caps for Romania and claimed two titles and two cups with Steaua. Boyhood hero of Ilie Dumitrescu who compared him to Ryan Giggs.

Xabier AZKARGORTA (1953-2025)