The sad news of Bonzo’s passing was a shock to many tens of thousands of Hammers fans, and it came too close to the weekend fixture to allow a formal tribute to be prepared for West Ham’s longest serving player and inspirational former captain.
The club have announced a full set of tributes for the home game on Sunday, announced ahead of the weekend and reported by bbc.com.
“The former Hammers captain passed away at the end of November, aged 79, and West Ham are inviting supporters to pay their respects. Their plans include a temporary memorial area outside of London Stadium for supporters to leave a tribute and reflect on their memories of the club’s all-time appearance maker.
Inside the ground, pre-match commemorations will begin 15 minutes before kick-off and a number of his former team mates will be invited pitchside as part of the tribute.
Just before kick-off, a “giant choreographed visual display” will appear in the Billy Bonds Stand and “a period of appreciation” for the former Hammers captain will begin.
Supporters are being urged to get to their seats early to avoid the long security checks at the ground.
Billy Bonds served West Ham for 27 years as a legendary player and later as manager, making a record 799 appearances, winning two FA Cups (1975, 1980) along with a Second Division title. From his arrival as a player in 1969 he made a club-record 799 appearances over 21 seasons, retiring at 41 in 1988, earning four Hammer of the Year awards. Billy then went on to manage the club from 1990-94, when his assistant Harry Redknapp took over as manager.
A crying shame that True Fans United are intent on ruining the day so that they can draw the attention to themselves.
Give peace a chance. Go spoil someone else’s party. Allow the rest of us to respect Billy Bonds.