David Gold funeral: West Ham stars from past and present celebrate late co-owner
West Ham figures past and present came together on Wednesday for the funeral of late co-owner David Gold.
Gold died last month aged 86 following a short illness and made a final journey through the streets of east London where he grew up, which included a stop at the old Boleyn Ground.
Floral tributes were laid by his family as the cortege passed Upton Park, before a celebration of his life was held at the London Stadium.
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady were joined by club directors, staff, manager David Moyes and both men’s and women’s first-team squads, as well as former players including Sir Trevor Brooking, Slaven Bilic and Brian Dear.
Several leading figures from the game were also present, including FA chief executive Mark Bullingham, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish, Brighton owner Tony Bloom and former Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck.
‘I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles’ played as Gold’s coffin was carried from the players’ tunnel to pitchside and his family took their seats in the home dugout.
Tributes were then paid to the lifelong West Ham fan in a moving service.
West Ham sporting director Mark Noble said: “It’s incredible that a man from nothing did as well as he did, and to stay true to himself. He was a real good man, and I had a lot of time for him. It’s incredibly sad and emotional that he passed away. But you’ve got to celebrate a life like that because for sure he lived it to the full.”
Following the service, a private committal took place at a nearby crematorium for close family and friends before a reception was held back at the London Stadium.
