Billy Bonds

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Billy Bonds MBE (b. September 17, 1946 in Woolwich, London) was a football player and manager, who is most often associated with West Ham United. His family moved to Eltham, London, where he honed his skills on the local fields, often by daring the local kids to try and get the ball from him.

He joined West Ham United F.C. in 1967 from Charlton Athletic, and remained at the club for over 20 years, scoring 48 goals in a club record 655 League appearances. Appointed to the captaincy after the departure of Bobby Moore, he established himself as a local hero, and is the only West Ham captain to lift the FA Cup on two occasions.

In 1990, soon after retiring as a player, he became manager of the Hammers, and held the job for 4 years before being replaced by Harry Redknapp. He was awarded the MBE.

In June 1996, two seasons after leaving West Ham, Billy Bonds made a return to management with Millwall - who had ended the previous season being relegated to Division Two just five months after leading Division One. Bonds was sacked after just two years at Millwall because he had failed to mount a promotion challenge.

Preceded by Lou Macari

West Ham United F.C. Manager 1990-1994

Succeeded by Harry Redknapp