Before West Ham kicked off against Liverpool, Jarrod Bowen took time to recognise the legacy of Club icon Billy Bonds MBE after the devastating news of his passing at the age of 79.

The announcement on Sunday morning added a real sombre mood to West Ham’s meeting with Liverpool at the London Stadium. Current captain Jarrod Bowen admitted the club great’s achievements wearing the armband in claret and blue have influenced his approach to the responsibility of the role.

‘Legend’ is a word that gets thrown around a lot in modern football, however in Bonds’ case, the word barely does justice to a figure so central to the history of West Ham United. Bonds’ playing career saw him spend a remarkable 21 years with the Hammers making 799 appearances, a club record, and one that is highly unlikely to ever be broken.

Bonds captained the club to FA Cup glory in 1975 and 1980 as well as to the Cup Winners Cup final in 1976. He remains just one of three men to have led West Ham to major silverware After his playing career, Bonds later returned to the club as manager. In his four years in the dugout, Bonds guided the Hammers to two promotions.

Speaking after the news of Bonds’ passing, Bowen highlighted the former captain’s extraordinary contribution to West Ham and the place he holds in the club’s history.

“What he meant for this Club, what he achieved for this Club, it’s a sad day for everyone.” said the Hammers skipper.

West Ham’s No. 20 went on to reflect on Bonds as a player and leader whose record and influence few could ever hope to match. “He’s probably going to go down as West Ham’s biggest legend and the best Club captain they’ve had as well. He achieved so much here and I’ll never emulate that success, but to put on the captain’s armband like he did is a big thing for me.”