West Ham co-owner David Gold dies aged 86 after a short illness
Gold became joint-chairman of West Ham in 2010 alongside David Sullivan, West Ham co-owner David Gold dies aged 86 after a short illness
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David Gold, West Ham United’s joint chairman, has died aged 86 following a short illness. West Ham co-owner David Gold dies aged 86 after a short illness
The Premier League club announced that Gold had passed away “peacefully” on Wednesday morning with his daughters, Jacqueline and Vanessa, and his fiancée, Lesley, by his side. West Ham co-owner David Gold dies aged 86 after a short illness
A lifelong West Ham fan, Gold bought the club along with business partner David Sullivan in January 2010 before helping oversee their controversial move from Upton Park to the London Stadium.West Ham co-owner David Gold dies aged 86 after short illness
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.West Ham co-owner David Gold dies aged 86 after short illness
“Of all our joint ventures, none gave us more pride and happiness than when 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 the 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 co-owner David Gold dies aged 86 after short illness
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 time.West Ham co-owner David Gold dies aged 86 after short illness
“Mr Gold was a regular visitor to Rush Green and always a source of great support and encouragement to myself and the players. Clearly, 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 said: “The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at West Ham United are with David Gold’s two daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa, his fiancée Lesley and all of his family and friends at this extremely sad time.West Ham co-owner David Gold dies aged 86 after short illness
“A full tribute to our beloved joint-chairman will take place in due course.”
Gold’s death raises questions about the fate of his 25.1 percent stake in West Ham, potentially worth in excess of £200m.
Just over a year ago, he, Sullivan, and other investors sold 27 percent of the club to Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky for between £180m and £200m, with an option for a full takeover.West Ham co-owner David Gold dies aged 86 after short illness
In March, a clause expires in West Ham’s so-called “deal of the century” tenancy of the London Stadium requiring them to pay a windfall on any profit made from a sale of the club.
Sullivan currently owns a 38.8 percent stake, fellow director Tripp Smith eight percent, and other investors just 1.1 percent.West Ham co-owner David Gold dies aged 86 after short illness
‘He knew how to win with grace and lose with dignity
Before buying West Ham, Gold and Sullivan were co-owners of Birmingham City, the latter since 1993.
The son of an East End criminal, Gold played for West Ham’s youth teams from the age of 13 before going on to forge a successful business career with his brother Ralph, most notably acquiring the lingerie empire Ann Summers.
The pair also co-owned adult magazine company Gold Star Publications, and a share in Sport Newspapers, before selling their interests. Gold made £4.4 million selling corporate air service Gold Air International in 2006.West Ham co-owner David Gold dies aged 86 after short illness
According to the Sunday Times rich list, Gold and his family were worth £460m in 2020.
Tributes were paid to Gold on Twitter, from the likes of Birmingham City and Steve Parish, the Crystal Palace chairman.
