West Ham confirm joint-chairman David Gold has died aged 86

West Ham have confirmed the death of joint-chairman David Gold at the age of 86.

Gold, who acquired a 50 per cent stake in the club in 2010 alongside David Sullivan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning.

His two daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa, and his fiancée Lesley were by his side. The former Birmingham City owner had been battling a short illness.

In a statement, co-chairman 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 are due to play Leeds United in the Premier League at Elland Road this evening. A full tribute is to take place in due course, the club say.

Gold was born in Stepney in 1936 and grew up at 442 Green Street, directly opposite where West Ham played their home games until 2016.

He played for West Ham as a schoolboy and was offered terms to sign as an apprentice but his father did not put pen to paper.

Gold went on become a successful businessman and owned retailer Ann Summers, as well as a corporate air service and adult magazine company.

On the Sunday Times' rich list in 2020, it was estimated that Gold and his family were worth £460 million.

Gold's first steps in football ownership were with Birmingham but he later acquired boyhood club West Ham in partnership with Sullivan.

Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this sad time.