04 January 2023 , 13:52
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West Ham's joint-chairman David Gold has died at the age of 86 following a short illness, the east London club have confirmed.
Gold's daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa, and his fiancee Lesley, were by his side when he passed away peacefully this Wednesday morning.
Born in Stepney in east London, opposite West Ham's old Boleyn Ground, Green represented the club's boys' team between the ages of 13 and 16 before appearing in the youth side. He became joint-chairman of the Hammers in January 2010 alongside David Sullivan.
Welsh businessman Sullivan, 73, has paid tribute to his "colleague and friend", who he says always wanted the best for West Ham.
David Gold and David Sullivan at West Ham's London Stadium (Getty)He 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.
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"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."
David Gold has passed away (PA)West Ham manager David Moyes also paid his condolences, saying his thoughts are with the Gold family at this time.
Moyes said: "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."
A statement on the Hammers' official website read: "It is with deep sadness that West Ham United FC confirm that our beloved joint-chairman David Gold passed away on Wednesday morning following a short illness.
"David Gold, 86, died peacefully with his devoted daughters, Jacqueline and Vanessa, and his fiancee Lesley, by his side."