Bonds signed memorabilia: 1 product

East End legend Billy Bonds spent an incredible 21 seasons at West Ham United, reluctantly hanging up his boots aged 41 years and 255 days when a knee injury finally got the better of him. In his career at the Boleyn Ground he led the Hammers to two FA Cup final victories and became a genuine fans' favourite.

Bond started out across the Thames at Charlton Athletic, playing 95 league games before Ron Greenwood paid £50,000 to bring him to West Ham in 1967. Starting out at right-back, he switched to central defence, where he became renowned for his wholehearted attitude, giving nothing less than 100 per cent in every game. But it wasn't only his commitment that endeared him to the Hammers faithful, " Bonzo", as he was affectionately dubbed, also possessed a shrewd football brain. His intelligent and effective use of the ball made him the perfect counterpoint in midfield to the more skilful and graceful Trevor Brooking.

He had the rare gift of being able to inspire his team-mates, and when the legendary Bobby Moore left for Fulham in 1974 Bonds was the obvious choice as captain. It was an honour he was to hold until 1984. The departure of Moore had left a gaping hole at the club, but Bonds did more than just fill it - in his first season as captain he lifted the club, inspiring the Hammers to FA Cup victory. A 2-0 win over Arsenal at Highbury was followed by a semi-final replay win over Ipswich Town and West Ham found themselves in the final against, as fate would have it, Bobby Moore's Fulham. On a memorable afternoon, writing one of the most glorious chapters in the club's history, the previously unknown Alan Taylor scored twice as the Irons buried the Cottagers 2-0, leaving Bonds to lift the cup.

Bonds led the Hammers to victory in the FA Cup again in 1980 and it wasn't until 1988 that he called time on his amazing career. By that time he had made a club record 663 appearances, scoring 48 goals. It's a record that will take some beating.