West Ham United co-chairman David Gold has died at the age of 86.
David Gold, who died at the age of 86 following a brief illness, was a lifelong supporter of West Ham United. When Gold was a kid, he didn’t have to go far to find his childhood club. West Ham’s former co-owner grew up at 442 Green Street, in a house immediately across from Upton Park, and he was always destined to be a lifelong Hammer.
Gold, whose death was confirmed by West Ham on Wednesday, was a fan of the club. He was a promising schoolboy footballer who played for the club’s boys’ team between the ages of 13 and 16, as well as the youth squad. Football ran in his veins. He didn’t make it as a professional, but he’d find a way to play again after establishing a successful business career.
It had been a difficult journey. Gold described growing up in “abject poverty” with no money in his family. He began working at the age of 14 in order to make ends meet. Gold and his brother, Ralph, would go on to establish Gold Group International, the parent firm of Knickerbox and the Ann Summers adult shop chain. The Gold brothers assisted David Sullivan in launching the low-brow Sunday Sport newspaper in 1986.
Sullivan’s relationship with Gold grew stronger. They joined the football world in 1993 when they purchased Birmingham City, who would go on to gain promotion to the Premier League nine years later. Karren Brady was named managing director of the Midlands club, making her the first woman on the board of a Football League franchise.
A rewarding relationship was formed. Sullivan, Gold, and Brady moved from Birmingham to West Ham in January 2010. It was a trying moment. West Ham’s Icelandic owners had left the team in dire financial straits, and relegation from the Premier League was looming. West Ham claimed in a statement yesterday that gold had a role in “steadying the ship and protecting the Club’s future during a period of great financial uncertainty.”
It was not always simple. West Ham were demoted in 2011 and promoted the following year. Supporters have been critical of Sullivan and Gold at times, accusing them of a lack of interest in the team. People who knew Gold, who was instrumental in moving the east London team from Upton Park to the London Stadium in 2016, spoke of his love for West Ham.
“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,” Sullivan said yesterday of his longtime buddy.
“Of all our joint ventures, none has given us more pride and happiness than the day we purchased West Ham United, our Club, in January 2010.” David had a long history with the Hammers, having grown up in Green Street, directly across from the Boleyn Ground, and having played for the club at a young age. He was always concerned with what was best for West Ham United, and his death is a big loss for all of us.”
Gold was a well-liked man who was proud of his Jewish origin. He was a frequent at West Ham’s training site and was considered as a kind and generous man by many.
“I am extremely saddened 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,” said West Ham manager David Moyes. “Mr Gold was a frequent visitor to Rush Green and was a constant source of encouragement and support for myself and the players.”
“It was clear that he genuinely cared about the Club and was a true supporter at heart.” He was fascinated by the folks who worked behind the scenes and was always eager to assist in any way he could. He’ll be sorely missed.”
Gold’s 25% share in the club is expected to transfer to his daughters, Vanessa and Jacqueline, and the family will have a presence on the board. With a 38.8% interest, Sullivan is the club’s largest shareholder. Daniel Kretinsky, a Czech billionaire, has been an increasingly important voice since purchasing a 27% share in November 2021.
Gold’s daughters and girlfriend, Lesley, were by his side when he died, according to West Ham.
