Billy Bonds,
Thoughts go out to your family at this sad time.
When I signed for @西汉姆联足球俱乐部 , Billy Bonds was the 1st team manager.
He made an impression on me immediately.
He trained with my u13 team one day at Chadwell Heath....I hadn't decided to sign with West Ham at this stage so was trying to impress (as you would)!
Billy Bonds training with us, nervous as hell!
A ball came into me, Billy Bonds marking me from behind, just as I took a touch I felt his studs going down the back of my Achilles/calf. I was on the floor in pain, I looked up and Billy Bonds was stood over me with a face like 'what you gonna do' !
I got up and a couple of minutes later I was marking him and a ball was rolled into his feet, I thought here's my chance for payback...I done exactly what he done to me, 4-6 studs down his Achilles !!
He turned round, caught up with me and said "well done that's what I like to see"
He may not have ever known this but the confidence boost that gave me through having that little bit of dialogue with the then West Ham manager as a young 11/12/13 year old was immeasurable.
The West Ham 1st team would always talk about how much he prided himself on his fitness - being at the front of the running in pre season as manager is not normal at all - but this work ethic I respected hugely!!
I always had such warm encounters whenever I saw him which was always appreciated my end.
Thank you for those stud marks you left down the back of my leg !!
RIP Billy Bonds

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