West Ham pay tribute to late co-chairman David Gold as legend Mark Noble lays wreath and family in attendance at Everton game, with memorial programme

01/21/2023 12:21 PM

West Ham held a minute’s applause for David Gold as the club paid tribute to their late co-chairman ahead of their Premier League game with Everton. Mark Noble laid a wreath on the London Stadium pitch and then stood alongside Gold’s family on the touchline as supporters paid their respects to the boss. West Ham paid visual tributes to Gold both inside and outside the London StadiumGetty Hammers legend Noble stood alongside Gold’s family to lay a wreath in tribute to the late chiefGetty Gold sadly passed away at the age of 86 on January 4 following a short illness. Born in Stepney and raised not far from the club’s former Boleyn Ground home, Gold was a lifelong Hammers fan and took over the east London club, along with David Sullivan, in 2010. The Hammers chief died surrounded by his family, with daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa and his fiancée Lesley by his side. They were back at the London Stadium on Saturday to take part in a moment of remembrance for Gold before the game – West Ham’s first at home since his death – as images of Gold were shown around the stadium on the big screens. As well as the wreath laid by former captain Noble, there were other flower tributes to the businessman, as players from both teams lined up to join in with the fans’ applause. The club also devoted the front of their matchday programme to the chief, who was a well-loved figure by those associated with the club and who built strong relationships with the West Ham players. Players from both teams joined supporters in their minute’s applause in tribute of GoldAFP West Ham dedicated their matchday programme vs Everton to remember their late co-chairmanGetty Gold’s death rocked West Ham at the beginning of the yearAFP Most read in Football Man United line up Kane swoop, Kiwior set for Arsenal medical, Madueke joins Chelsea Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea LIVE reaction: Spoils shared at Anfield as Mudryk makes debut Chelsea fall victim to unusual but correct offside call as VAR comes to Liverpool's rescue Klopp says he can go for ten more years in front of Gerrard - who is tipped as replacement FA investigate allegation Sunday League player 'inserted finger into opponent's anus' Arsenal fans smug following Juventus striker snub amid their 15 point deduction in Serie A One of those was former Hammers striker Carlton Cole, who told talkSPORT following Gold’s passing that he was seen as a grandfather figure by many at the club. “He had empathy – he was like your normal grandad, would want you to win in life,” Cole said. “He knew the rules as well. You work hard, you play hard, you will get rewarded for that. “He always had his arm around me if he felt I was in a low place. Trying to lift your spirits, especially if he did like you. “He was a great person, great guy, and did a lot for the club.” Gold was seen as a grandfather figure to many of West Ham’s current and former playersGetty It appears that feeling also extended to players at Birmingham City, where Gold was chairman before his joint takeover of West Ham. Former Blues striker Clinton Morrison wrote on social media following news of his death: “Such sad news, RIP David.  “He looked after me and my family when I signed for Birmingham City, and made me feel welcome at the club. “Such a nice guy sending thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.” Remembering our beloved Joint-Chairman David Gold.Our thoughts are with @Jacqueline_Gold, @Vanessa_Gold and the rest of the Gold family at this difficult time pic.twitter.com/X1JFM3FHrW— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 21, 2023