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West Ham co-chairman David Gold dies aged 86 with family at his bedside after brief illness: Club and fans will mark Hammer’s death for life ahead of tonight’s game in Leeds
- West Ham United have announced the death of their co-chairman David Gold
- The businessman passed away in his sleep this Wednesday morning at the age of 86.
- Gold took up his role as joint chairman of the London club in January 2010.
- He was the former chairman of Birmingham City before leaving the club in 2009.
West Ham co-chairman David Gold has died at the age of 86 after a brief illness, the club confirmed today.
Gold, who grew up at 442 Green Street, just opposite the Boleyn Ground, was a lifelong Hammer and it was in January 2010 that he fulfilled a dream by becoming co-chairman of West Ham.
West Ham take on Leeds on Wednesday night, during which tributes will be paid to Gold, who died with his daughters, Jacqueline and Vanessa, and fiancee Lesley, by his side on Wednesday morning.
West Ham have announced that their vice-chairman David Gold has passed away at the age of 86.
Gold worked alongside David Sullivan (right) as vice-chairman at West Ham from January 2010
Gold co-chairman David Sullivan said: ‘It is with deep regret and a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of our colleague and friend.
“Of all our joint ventures, none gave us more pride and happiness than the day we took ownership of West Ham United, our club. David had a long-standing connection to the Hammers, growing up opposite the Boleyn Ground on Green Street and representing the club at youth level.
“He always wanted the best for West Ham United, and his passing is a great loss for all of us.”
Co-Chairman signs fan shows at the Mark Noble Testimonial Match in 2015
Gold suited up at Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, with his fiancee Lesley Manning in 2008.
Manager David Moyes added: “I am extremely saddened to hear this news and, on behalf of all the players and my staff at the training ground, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of David Gold at this very difficult time.” .
‘Mr Gold was a regular visitor to Rush Green and was always a source of great support and encouragement to me and the players. It was clear that he had a genuine and sincere love for the Club and he was a true supporter at heart.
Gold holding aloft the Championship playoff trophy after West Ham beat Blackpool in the 2012 final to win promotion to the top flight
“He took a great interest in the people working behind the scenes and was always willing to help in any way he could. He will be sorely missed.
Gold became co-chairman of Birmingham City along with Sullivan in 1993 and stayed with The Blues for 16 years, eventually selling his stake before taking over West Ham in 2009.
His tenure with the club oversaw the Hammers’ move from the Boleyn Ground to the London Stadium, also seeing the club’s relegation to the Championship and subsequent promotion back to the top flight in 2012.
More recently, Gold watched West Ham compete in the Europa League in 2021-22 and the Europa Conference League in 2022-23.
Birmingham honored Gold’s passing with a statement on Wednesday, saying: “The Club is devastated to learn of the passing of former Chairman David Gold at the age of 86.
“Our thoughts are with his daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa, and his fiancée Lesley at this incredibly difficult time.”
Meanwhile, Irons vice president Karren Brady also took to social media to pay tribute to her former colleague.
She tweeted: ‘To a great man, a great friend for over 30 years and a complete gentleman, he will be missed. Rest in peace x.’
Manager David Moyes said Gold had a “genuine and sincere” love for the club in his statement.
Karren Brady, Stan Collymore and Adrian Bevington took to social media to pay tribute to Gold
Adrian Bevington, former Club England CEO, added: ‘David Gold was always a kind and polite man when I spoke to him. sad news. Thoughts with his family and those close to him.’
Former Premier League star and England international Stan Collymore also took to Twitter to pay his respects after the 86-year-old’s passing.
The now expert wrote: ‘Met David Gold a couple of times, always friendly. I remember a Monday debate on talkSPORT where we were on direct opposite sides of a fan-ownership debate, but after it ended, he was incredibly nice. Sending love to @Jacqueline_Gold and family. Rest in peace David.
Gold became a Birmingham shareholder in 1993 before selling his stake in the club in 2009.