David Gold, the co-chairman of West Ham United, passed away at the age of 86 after a short illness.
He was a lifetime supporter of the Hammers, and the team stated he died on Wednesday morning “peacefully” with his fiancee and daughters by his side.
In 2010, Gold and David Sullivan shared the chairmanship of West Ham. Gold had previously served as the chairman and co-owner of Birmingham City.
West Ham manager David Moyes reacted to his death by saying:
“I am extremely sad to hear this news.”
“On behalf of all of the players and my staff at the training ground, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to David Gold’s family at this very difficult time.”
“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.”
“He took a great interest in the people working behind the scenes and was always keen to help in any way he could. He will be greatly missed.”
Gold played for the club’s boys’ and young teams while growing up directly opposite the Boleyn Ground, which served as West Ham’s former stadium.
After Gold’s death Sullivan said:
“Of all our joint ventures, none gave us more pride and happiness than the day we took ownership of West Ham United, our club, in January 2010.”
“David had a long-standing connection with the Hammers, having grown up opposite the Boleyn Ground in Green Street, and represented the club at junior level.”
“He always wanted what was best for West Ham United, and his passing is a great loss for all of us.”
Gold spent 16 years at Birmingham City until selling his shares in 2009 and taking over West Ham in January 2010.
During his time at the club, the club moved to the London Stadium, was demoted and then promoted back to the Premier League, and participated in the Europa League.
In addition to being a football player, Gold co-owned an adult magazine business and a corporate air service and served as the chairman of the retail chain Ann Summers.
