BILLY BONDS: 1946-2025 STARS' TRIBUTES TO TRUE IRONS LEGEND

WEST HAM paid a moving tribute to Billy Bonds ahead of the match against Liverpool, with Jarrod Bowen hailing him the “best captain” in their history.

- BY ANDY SIMS

THE NAME'S BONDS Billy opens the stand in his name and (inset) lifting the FA Cup in 1975

The Hammers announced yesterday morning that Bonds, who played for the Irons for more than 20 years - winning the FA Cup twice - and who also managed the club, had died at the age of 79.

Bonds made 799 appearances for the Hammers and was later appointed manager in 1990, twice securing promotions to the top flight before leaving in 1994, when he was replaced in the manager's job by his best friend and assistant, Harry Redknapp.

In 2019, the east terrace at London Stadium was renamed the Billy Bonds Stand in his honour.

West Ham arranged a period of appreciation to honour Bonds ahead of the game against Liverpool, with Bowen (right) laying a No.4 shirt in front of the Billy Bonds Stand before kickoff.