Russ Budden
West Ham United co-chairman David Gold has died at the age of 86 following a short illness.
A lifelong Hammers fan, the club said he passed away “peacefully” on Wednesday morning with his fiancee and daughters by his side.
A lifelong and ardent West Ham United fan, David Gold was born in Stepney in September 1936 and grew up at 442 Green Street, directly opposite the Boleyn Ground. As a promising young schoolboy player, he represented the Club’s boys’ team between the ages of 13 and 16 and later appeared in the youth team. He left school at the age of 16 and began working in the retail industry, eventually starting his own business selling lingerie and other clothing. He later expanded his business to include a chain of discount stores called “Anna’s Pantry.”
After forging a career as a hugely successful businessman, his life came full circle in January 2010 when he became Joint-Chairman of West Ham United following the successful takeover that helped to steady the ship and protect the Club’s future during a period of great financial uncertainty. Gold was known for his passion for the club and was often seen at West Ham matches, cheering on the team from the stands.
In addition to his business and football interests, Gold was also a philanthropist and supported a number of charitable causes over the years. He donated to a number of hospitals and medical research facilities, and was also a patron of the London Children’s Hospital.
Gold faced some controversy during his time as West Ham chairman, including criticism over the club’s move to the London Stadium and accusations of financial mismanagement. However, he remained a popular figure among West Ham fans and was respected for his business acumen and dedication to the club.
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said: “On behalf of everyone at the football club, it is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of our colleague and friend, David Gold.
“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.”
Manager David Moyes added: “I am extremely sad to hear this news and, 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.”
We at the West Ham Network offer our sincere condolences to David’s family and our thoughts are with his two daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa, his fiancée Lesley and all of his family and friends at this extremely sad time.
