Fans and Players Pay Tribute to Former Chairman David Gold

West Ham United Football Club co-owner David Gold has passed away at age 86 after a short illness. When news of his passing was announced, many fans and players made tributes to honor the man.

Club co-owner David Sullivan spoke of the club's "profound sorrow" in announcing the death of his long-time friend and business partner, with condolences from clubs, officials and players soon following.

In a statement by West Ham (West Ham United Football Club) on Wednesday, they said that Gold died peacefully with his daughters, Jacqueline and Vanessa, and his fiancée Lesley, by his side.

As a former chairman of the Birmingham City Football Club (Blues), the city and club also paid tribute to the main. In a Twitter post on its official page, the city wrote, “The Club is devastated to learn of the passing of former Chairman David Gold at the age of 86. Our thoughts are with his daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa, and his fiancée Lesley at this incredibly difficult time.”

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There were several responses from fans that talked about Gold’s kindness and support towards the club. One fan even talked about how he was often seen mingling on the Kop side of the ground in pre-matches.

Hammers boss David Moyes also posted an emotional message. In his message, he stated, “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.”

Moyes also talked about how Gold took great interest in the people working behind the scenes and would often help them.

In addition to several social media posts and messages, it was reported that a bunch of flowers was placed in Gold’s allocated seat at Elland Road. The seat also had both sides wearing black armbands in a match watched by Gold's long-time business associate and fellow Hammers joint-chairman David Sullivan.

David Gold was born was born in Stepney in September 1936 and grew up at 442 Green Street, directly opposite the Boleyn Ground. He was a lifelong and ardent West Ham United fan. Before becoming a co-owner of the West Ham Club, he was a British Businessman and chairman of the Birmingham City Football Club until 2009.

During his time with the Blues, he saw the club’s promotion to the Premier League on three occasions - in 2003, 2007, and 2009.

Gold and his long-term business partner David Sullivan had taken charge of the Premier League club in January 2010 in a deal worth £105m. This happened after selling Birmingham City following 16 years with the Championship side and were joined in east London by vice-chairman Karen Brady.

Since he became co-owner, the Hammers made the historic move from Upton Park to the London Stadium. Gold also experienced the club's relegation to the Championship and subsequent promotion back to the top flight in 2012.

Before his passing, Gold watched West Ham compete in the Europa League in 2021-22 and Europa Conference League in 2022-23.