West Ham Joint-chairman, David Gold Is Dead

English Premier League club, West Ham, has announced the death of their joint-chairman, David Gold.

Naija News understands that Gold died at the age of 86 after battling a reportedly short illness.

It was revealed that David Gold passed out on Wednesday morning from his sleep. The deceased was the former chairman of Birmingham City F.C.

Gold was born in east London near West Ham’s Boleyn Ground. Having been a lifelong fan of West Ham, Gold became joint-chairman of the club in 2010 after selling his shares in Birmingham City the year before.

Commenting on Gold’s death, a 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.”

West Ham manager David Moyes also paid tribute to the deceased, saying, “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.”

The club, however, said on its official website that a full tribute to Gold’s death would take place in due course.