It was a year ago today that we lost the perfect West Ham football club ambassador – David Gold. 
The perfect West Ham Football Club ambassador
We have written much about a man who became a friend to most people who met him, none of whom had anything but good to say about the man who truly did have claret and blue flowing through his veins WRITES HUGHIE SOUTHON.
I first met DG when I was commissioned to write a lifestyle piece on him for another publication after he had became a regular contact as I covered the midlands for a number of national newspapers when he was co chairman of Birmingham City.
We struck up an instant friendship based to some extent on our love of the Irons – a club which he had told me he and David Sullivan would love to own. That DS has managed so brilliantly since losing his lifelong partner tells you all you need to know about him as well.
DG was always seen as the ambassadorial arm of the Hammers as well of course pouring in finance which has helped it – along with the huge DS financial input – to become one of the most successful clubs in the country.
But it was DG the man who was worthy of so much admiration and I still miss the daily chats – many coming from his end – we enjoyed over several years until his untimely death. Yes untimely despite him being in his middle eighties.
He shared his joys, disappointments and bitterness with me which was confined solely to the disgraceful comments he received on, yes let’s call it what it is – TWOTTER or X. Both titles are entirely appropriate. He wasn’t a man to become angry, stubborn and definitely not bitter but there were times when it became obvious he was suffering deeply from it
Sadly, bad things happen to good people and David was a serious member of the second category!
I remember when my darling wife Sandra passed away he was quickly on the phone giving me much comfort and offering to place some of her ashes on the old Upton Park site. I had to say no, bless him, as Sandra was no football fan.
Towards the time of his death he never once mentioned his bouts of covid and later said that was because with myself suffering from asthma/copd he didn’t think it appropriate.
With David, I always found, it was others first and his family above all – a proper man…a loveable man I will never forget .
David you were an absolute star who shone so brightly and I will remember you forever my friend. Continue to rest in peace as you tried so hard to in life!