Joint-Chairman Of West Ham United, David Gold Is Dead

David Gold, co-chairman of the English team West Ham, passed away, at the age of 86.

The club issued a statement on its website confirming his passing. It was revealed that Gold passed away with his family by his side following a brief illness.

The statement read: “On behalf of everyone at the football club, it is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of our colleague and friend, David Gold.

“Of all our joint ventures, none gave us more pride and happiness than the day we took ownership of West Ham United, our Club, in January 2010. David had a long-standing connection with the Hammers, having grown up opposite the Boleyn Ground in Green Street, and represented the Club at the junior level. He always wanted what was best for West Ham United, and his passing is a great loss for all of us.”

David Moyes, the club’s manager, also paid tribute to him. He wrote: “I am extremely sad to hear this news and, on behalf of all of the players and my staff at the training ground, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to David Gold’s family at this very difficult time.

“Mr Gold was a regular visitor to Rush Green and always a source of great support and encouragement to myself and the players. It was clear that he had a genuine and sincere love for the Club and was a true supporter at heart. He took a great interest in the people working behind the scenes and was always keen to help in any way he could. He will be greatly missed.”

The lifelong supporter of West Ham who sold his stakes in Birmingham City the year before to become the club’s joint-chairman in 2010 was born close to the Boleyn Ground in east London. In his early years, he was given the opportunity to sign as an apprentice for the club.