MY ACCOUNT
West Ham joint-chairman David Gold has died aged 86 following a short illness.
According to the club’s official website, the lifelong Hammers fan passed away peacefully with his fiancee Lesley and daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa by his side yesterday morning.
Fellow joint-chairman David Sullivan said: “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.
“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 junior level.
“He always wanted what was best for West Ham United and his passing is a great loss for all of us.”
Hammers boss David Moyes added: “I am extremely sad to hear this news.
“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.”
Born in Stepney in September 1936, Gold grew up at 442 Green Street — directly opposite West Ham’s former home the Boleyn Ground.
He represented the club’s junior team between the age of 13 and 16 and later played for the youth side.
After forging a successful career in the business world, he became West Ham’s joint-chairman alongside Sullivan, 73, in January 2010.
