Tributes pour in as West Ham joint chairman David Gold dies after short illness
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West Ham co-chairman David Gold has passed away at the age of the 86 following a short illness, the club have announced this afternoon.
It's understood he died peacefully with his daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa, and his fiancée Lesley, by his side. Gold had been in charge of the Hammers since 2010 when he and David Sullivan acquired a 50% share in the club.
In a statement, 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, 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 junior level. He always wanted what was best for West Ham United, and his passing is a great loss for all of us."
Manager David Moyes added: "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."
News of Gold's death was met by an outpouring of grief from Hammers supporters on social media, with many crediting the east-ender for always having the club's best interest at heart.
"Rest in peace, David. You did everything for this club even when you were heavily criticised, I can't thank you enough for your efforts," one fan tweeted.
"Say what you want about David Gold, he always wanted West Ham to succeed. RIP boss," wrote another.
Gold was at Birmingham City for 16 years, selling his shares in 2009 before he and Sullivan took over at West Ham in January 2010.
His tenure at the club oversaw its move from Upton Park to the London Stadium, as well as relegation and subsequent promotion back to the Premier League and playing in the Europa League.
Outside of football, Gold was also the chairman of retail chain Ann Summers and previously co-owned an adult magazine company and corporate air service.
- West Ham FC
- Premier League
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