David Gold dead: West Ham co-chairman’s tributes

The footballing world has paid tribute to West Ham co-chairman David Gold after he passed away on Wednesday.

West Ham announced that Gold died peacefully this morning aged 86 after a short illness.

Premier League club vice-chairman Karren Brady led the honors for gold as she paid her respects to her former colleague.

The football world has paid tribute to David Gold (L) after he passed away after a ‘brief illness’.

West Ham vice-chairman and long-time colleague Karren Brady led the tributes to gold

Tributes for West Ham’s co-chairman came from across the footballing world

She tweeted: “To a great man, a great friend of over 30 years and a complete gentleman – you are missed. rest in peace x.’

Former Club England chief executive Adrian Bevington added: “David Gold was always a kind and polite man to talk to. Sad news. Thoughts of his family and those close to him.’

Hammers legend Tony Cottee said: “I am saddened to hear the news of David Gold’s death. He was a lovely man who was passionate about looking after West Ham… RIP David.”

Expert Stan Collymore also paid tribute to Gold, saying: “I’ve met David Gold a couple of times, always friendly. I remember a Monday debate on talkSPORT where we were directly on opposite sides of a fan ownership debate, but after it ended he was incredibly amiable. Love to @Jacqueline_Gold and family. Rest in peace David.’

Ian Abrahams, a talkSPORT reporter and West Ham fan, added: “Sad to hear that West Ham co-chairman David Gold has passed away. Whenever I spoke to David you knew how much he loved the club and always greeted you with a warm smile. Thoughts of his financier Lesley and daughters @Jacqueline_Gold and @Vanessa_Gold.”

Gold’s former club Birmingham City and Tottenham were quick to pay tribute to Gold

Gold was previously co-chairman at Birmingham and the West Midlands club also sent their condolences to the family.

They said: “The club is devastated to learn of the death of former chairman David Gold aged 86. Our thoughts are with his daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa and his fiancé Lesley at this incredibly difficult time.”

West Ham’s London rivals Tottenham also expressed their sadness at the death of the 86-year-old, tweeting: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of David Gold. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish, meanwhile, said: “Terrible news, David was an absolute gentleman, always had kind and supportive words for me when things were difficult. He knew how to win with grace and lose with dignity. He loved football and he loved his club. I will miss him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.’

West Ham United joint chairman David Sullivan also paid tribute to Gold in an earlier statement, saying: “On behalf of everyone at football club, it is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of our colleague and friend, David Gold.

Pundits, agents and former players were all quick to express their admiration for gold

Gold worked alongside David Sullivan (right) as co-chairman at West Ham from January 2010

“Of all our joint ventures, none has made us more proud and happy than the day we took over West Ham United, our club, in January 2010. David had a long-standing association with the Hammers, having grown up opposite the Boleyn Ground on Green Street and representing the club at junior level. He always wanted what was best for West Ham United and his passing is a great loss for us all.”

Hammers boss David Moyes added: “I am extremely saddened by this news and on behalf of all the players and my staff at the training ground I would like to express our deepest sympathy to David Gold’s family at this very difficult time.

“Mr Gold has been a regular visitor to Rush Green and has always been a source of great support and encouragement to me and the players. It was clear he genuinely and genuinely loved the club and was a true supporter at heart. He took a keen interest in the people working behind the scenes and was always willing to help in any way he could. He will be greatly missed.’

BT Sport also expressed their deepest condolences to Gold, saying: “Everyone at BT Sport sends their condolences to the friends, family and colleagues of West Ham Co-Chair David Gold. 1936-2023.”

Former Birmingham City player Curtis Woodhouse praised Gold’s character

Curtis Woodhouse, who played for Birmingham while Gold co-owned the club, also said: “Really sad to hear the news of David Gold’s passing. I’ve had some difficult times in Birmingham and when everyone else was trying to fire me David tried to help me. It meant a lot to me then, but even more now that I’m older and I understand. RIP David.’

John Smith, an agent, added: “I really liked David Gold! He was a gentleman and a pleasure to work with. He leaves a great footballing legacy – we will miss his charm, his charisma and his friendship. RIP David.’

Gold, who grew up at 442 Green Street just opposite the Boleyn Ground, was a lifelong hammer and in January 2010 he fulfilled a dream by becoming co-chairman of West Ham.

West Ham are set to take on Leeds on Wednesday night, with tributes being paid to Gold, who died at his side on Wednesday morning with his daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa and his fiancee Lesley.