Sitting in 15th place in the all time Hammers appearance list with 429 games across 16 years in all competitions, John Bond earned his place in Hammers history.He was one of the last players signed by Charlie Paynter, in the 50s and played a major part in the club’s promotion in 1958. He was a crowd favourite and was given the nickname Muffin (the mule) – a popular TV puppet of the time.
That was due to his ability to kick like a mule. His highpoint with the club was winning the FA cup in 1964, but in 65 and the European Cup Winners Cup, he lost out to Joe Kirkup for the final.
Just six months after missing out at Wembley, Bond joined Torquay, managed by fellow Cassetarri club member Frank O’Farrell, to finish his career.
In management, the friends he made at West Ham would constantly be involved. At Bournemouth he had Ken Brown with him and signed Harry Redknapp. It was Bond who took Martin Peters to Norwich, also taking Ted McDougall and 75 hero Alan Taylor.
In 1980 Bond resigned from Norwich to take the Man City job, replacing none other than the City legend and ex Hammer Malcolm Allison which led outspoken Mal into giving an interview which questioned Bond’s achievements in football and whether he deserved to replace him.
Despite initial success, 1981 cup final defeat to a Ricky Villa wonder goal, Bond resigned from city in 1983 and from there followed short lived appointments with four clubs: Burnley, Swansea, Birmingham and Shrewsbury where all four suffered relegation under his tenure.
He actually signed his son Kevin for all of the first threee clubs he managed.
In the late 90s though he did return to Cassetaris to talk about the old days, re-united with Noel Cantwell and his old friend Malcolm Allison.
You you can view a short video here, http://youtu.be/clSHW858i9w , with the three of them in fine form, reminiscing about their playing days.
John Bond passed away aged 79 in 2012
Words and pictures by ClaretandHugh historian Nigel Khan
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