Almost 60,000 supporters rose to their feet at London Stadium in celebration of West Ham United legend Billy Bonds, as the East Stand was renamed in the icon’s honour ahead of Saturday’s match with Newcastle.
Home to over 20,000 West Ham supporters, the man himself cut the ribbon to officially open the newly named Billy Bonds stand, rechristened in tribute to the 72-year-old’s 27 years with the Irons as both a player and a manager.
Bonds’ legendary association with West Ham saw him play 799 times in Claret and Blue and lift the FA Cup twice as captain, in 1975 and 1980.
“t's very emotional,” Bonds said, in a pitchside interview with former fellow Hammer Alvin Martin. “I think it's a great honour to be up there with these legends in this club and I'm just overwhelmed and very emotional."
A guard of honour comprised of former players and club legends welcomed Bonds out onto the pitch. The four-time Hammer of the Year was joined by his family during the ceremony, while joint-chairman David Gold presented Bonds with the scissors to unveil the Stand.
Bonds joins fellow Hammers greats Bobby Moore and Sir Trevor Brooking in being immortalised at the stadium, as the ultimate recognition for his many years of magnificent service to West Ham United.