West Ham United have announced that joint-chairman David Gold has passed away after a short illness.
Gold, 86, was a lifelong West Ham fan, who was born in Stepney, east London, and grew up opposite their Boleyn Ground stadium.
He became joint-chairman of West Ham in 2010, along with David Sullivan, after their takeover of the club.
“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,” Sullivan said in a statement on the club’s official website.
“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.”
West Ham said a full tribute to Gold will take place in due course but that their players as well as those of Leeds United will wear black armbands when the two teams meet at Elland Road tonight.
The Premier League offers our sincere condolences to David’s family and friends, and everyone at West Ham, at this sad time.
It is with deep sadness that West Ham United FC confirm that Joint-Chairman David Gold passed away peacefully this morning following a short illness.
— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 4, 2023