West Ham mourn passing of co-owner David Gold, 86, as David Moyes leads tributes

West Ham United have paid tribute to co-owner David Gold after he passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning.

The 86-year-old died following a short illness wit his daughters, Jaqueline and Vanessa and finance Lesley by his side. An argent Hammers supporter, born in 1936, Gold became joint owner of the club alongside David Sullivan in January 2010.

His reign has seen the Hammers make the historic move from Upton Park to the London Stadium. And under manager David Moyes, the clubs has enjoyed some moderate success in recent seasons, reaching the Europa League semi-finals last season.

His business partner and joint-chairman Sullivan paid tribute to his friend and colleague on the club’s website.

“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.”

David Moyes tribute to David Gold

Hammers boss Moyes also paid tribute to Gold following his passing.

“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.”