West Ham fans react as East Stand is renamed after Hammers legend

by Harry Elnaugh share

2 minute read 7/2/2019 | 12:01pm

West Ham have renamed the London Stadium’s East Stand in honour of legendary Hammer Billy Bonds, who holds the record of appearances for the club with an incredible 793 games under his belt and also lifted the FA Cup twice (1975 and 1980).

Bonds will join Bobby Moore and Sir Trevor Brooking, who have both been immortalised at the former Olympic stadium in a similar way. The 72-year-old will be in attendance for the stand’s unveiling via ceremony on 2nd March, prior to the Premier League clash with Newcastle.

Speaking about the decision to whufc.com, joint-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan said: “This is a proud and historical moment for West Ham United, as we honour one of the very greatest players ever to pull on the famous Claret and Blue shirt.

Who is West Ham’s worst ever signing? Check out the video below for a pretty strong candidate for the dubious honour…

“To West Ham United supporters, Billy Bonds epitomises the very heart and soul of our Football Club. A man who gave blood, sweat and tears during the course of a 21-year playing career and led the Club with dignity and pride as a manager between 1990 and 1994.”

The honour is surely one that Hammers fans feel has been a long-time coming and it is undoubtedly deserved – you can find the best of the reaction on Twitter below…

I remember our first meeting with the club mate. This was one of the first things we all mentioned. I’m so glad he is finally being honoured #Legend ⚒

— Ryan Archer⚒ (@ryanarcher84) February 6, 2019

About time the club did something to honour him. ⚒

— hammersfan (@3hammers5fan7) February 6, 2019

Fully deserved.

— ⚒️ Jay ⚒️ (@Jay93944265) February 6, 2019

About time too.. the man is a legend should have been done at Upton park

— Buzz (@Buzz42914816) February 6, 2019

Great news and long overdue. A true legend of our club. ⚒️⚒️♥️

— Michael Oaks (@mikoaks) February 6, 2019

Typical of our club at the moment, doing things late, should have had a stand named after him the day we moved into this place but better late than never ⚒

— seasidehammer ⚒ (@seasidehammer) February 6, 2019

When I was a wee lad in the chicken run Billy Bonds was idol. Now I have a great seat in his stand. That is an honour!

— Trigger (@minstral25) February 6, 2019

The very least he deserves. Billy Bonds stands on par with Bobby Moore for me.

— .HR (@Raynertron) February 6, 2019