At a time when our players are going over like nine pins let’s recall perhaps the Irons’ greatest warrior of them all – the mighty Billy Bonds.
It was January 1980 when we faced Preston North End at the Boleyn and club legend Bonzo is still smiling after the game even though blood is trickling down his head and he needs stitching back together after his head is sliced open.
The cuts occurred after Bonds’ head clashed with the boot of none other than team mate Alvin Martin who was attempting to clear the ball as Bonzo was trying to head it.
Bonds couldn’t continue and was replaced for a rare outing by Hammers youngster Dale Banton as the boys ran out 2-0 winners against a Preston side then managed by World Cup winner Nobby Stiles. A penalty from Ray Stewart after Geoff Pike had been fouled and a Paul Allen goal secured the victory
Never one to be out for too long, Billy still led the team out in the FA Cup fourth round tie away at Orient just seven days later with a heavily bandaged head and looking like the Native American, Geronimo.
These were the tendencies that made Bonzo the club hero he was destined to become.
Words from CandH historian Nigel Kahn
Pic: Steve Bacon
I love this man. First player ever to shake my hand after a match. I have never forgotten it.
He was a bit knocked about that day, too! 🙂
Legend !!!!!
Mr west ham !!!!!
They held a gun to his head at 42/3 ish and made him retire !!
*******s !!!!
Never been replaced , ? How could you !!!
They don’t make em like that anymore !!!!!
And I was privaleged to his whole career !! Priceless !!!
Always was approachable , toughest gentleman I have ever met !!!
My favourite hammer. Absolute legend. Moore might be the greatest Hammer, but Billy was my hero…How lucky I was to have watched in my boyhood Moore, Devonshire, Ray Stewart, Pop Robson, Brooking: All phenomenal, but Bonds was the greatest for me: As Johnboy wrote above: Toughest gentleman! Thanks Bill for all making my teenage years….
Six foot two…eyes of blue…
love the reference to Geronimo too…thanks Mr. Kahn.
HERO – I missed the world cup winners by a few years & Bonzo has always been my #1
Ive never seen a player so dedicated, committed, passionate… the greatest leader & most influential player ive EVER been lucky enough to watch
as I said… HERO