Dlee
550 posts











A moment that sums up what Billy Bonds meant to West Ham. Villa Park. 1991. In his first full season as manager of the club, “Bonzo” has taken his beloved Irons to the brink of promotion back to the top tier and an FA Cup semi-final. Reduced to 10 men for 70 minutes after Tony Gale’s controversial sending off, Bonds’ side are 4-0 down in the dying minutes. But the fans still serenade “Billy Bonds’ Claret & Blue Army”, just as they have for the entirety of the second half. An incessant chorus of adulation for the man who stepped onto the field 799 times in Claret & Blue - and never once took a backward step. The man who famously opted to have his toe amputated - rather than retire - so he could continue to represent the club he loves. Now, as gaffer, he is rebuilding the club, restoring the pride lost after relegation. He is a symbol of everything the West Ham fans hold dear. As the final whistle nears at Villa Park, the dream of an FA Cup Final is gone. But the love for William Arthur Bonds remains. Just as it does today. RIP
























