West Ham United and the family of David Gold have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and affection, and the many tributes and messages of condolence received, in honour of our beloved, late Joint-Chairman.
The lifelong Hammers fan, who grew up in Green Street opposite the Boleyn Ground, played for the Club as a schoolboy, and took over as Joint-Chairman in 2010, passed away peacefully on Wednesday at the age of 86.
Since then, the Club have been inundated with tribute messages and good wishes from within the West Ham family, across the football world and beyond, as people remember a truly inspirational man, someone who rose from humble beginnings to extraordinary success - yet never, ever forgot his working-class east London roots.
The Joint-Chairman’s daughter, Jacqueline Gold said: “On behalf of my sister Vanessa, Dad’s fiancée Lesley and our family, I would like to say how grateful and touched we are by the many messages and tributes that have been sent in memory of our wonderful Dad.
“These messages have been a source of great comfort to us at this very difficult time, as we come to terms with the loss of a devoted father, grandfather and friend, and a man who was so loved by so many people throughout his long and fulfilling life.
“We would like to thank all supporters and the entire West Ham family, along with those across the football world and beyond, who have taken the time to share their memories, pay tribute and say such lovely things about Dad. Along with his family, West Ham United was his greatest love, and I know he would be so touched to see how much people thought of him.”
West Ham United can confirm that the Club will be paying a full tribute to David Gold at our next Premier League home fixture against Everton, on Saturday 21 January, when all of our loyal Season Ticket Holders and match-attending fans, along with directors, management, players, staff and Hammers legends, come together to honour his memory.
Before then, any well-wishers are welcome to leave floral tributes at Champions Place at London Stadium, adjacent to the European Champions statue, situated between turnstiles H and J.
Messages of condolence and tributes in memory of the Joint-Chairman can also be emailed to [email protected].
All condolence messages will be passed directly to the Gold family.
Details of David Gold’s funeral arrangements, along with any further planned tributes, will be announced in due course through official Club channels.
The thoughts of everyone at West Ham United continue to be with the Joint Chairman’s daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa, his fiancée Lesley, and the entire Gold family, at this sad and difficult time.
