David Gold, the joint-chairman of West Ham United, has died on the age of 86, the Premier League membership has introduced.
“It is with deep sadness that West Ham United FC confirm that joint-chairman David Gold passed away peacefully this morning following a short illness,” stated a membership remark on Twitter. West Ham added that Gold’s daughters, Jacqueline and Vanessa, and his fiancée Lesley had been via his aspect.
“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,” wrote Gold’s co-chairman on the membership, David Sullivan.
“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 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.”
The team’s 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 times.
Mr Gold was a regular visitor to Rush Green. [training ground] and always a source of great support and encouragement to myself and the players,” Moyes added. “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.
Alongside Sullivan, Gold had previously been the chairman of Birmingham City, currently in the Championship, before selling his shares in the club in 2009. The duo became joint-chairman of West Ham in January 2010 following a takeover.
West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady worked alongside Gold and Sullivan at both clubs. “To a great man, a great friend for over 30 years and a complete gentleman – you will be missed. Rest in peace,” Brady tweeted.
Birmingham City tweeted: “The club is devastated to learn of the passing of former chairman David Gold at the age of 86. Our thoughts are with his family at this incredibly difficult time.”