Billy Bonds given heroes welcome as West Ham unveil stand at London Stadium in name of legendary former captain, who played an incredible 799 games for them West Ham renamed a stand at the London Stadium after club icon Billy Bonds Bonds was a former captain and is the club's record appearance holder (799) The East Stand has been renamed after him and was unveiled on Saturday night He was given a heroes welcome as he was welcomed on the pitch pre-match By Nathan Salt For Mailonline Published: 17:29 GMT, 2 March 2019 | Updated: 17:34 GMT, 2 March 2019 1 Viewcomments West Ham welcomed Billy Bonds on the pitch ahead of their match with Newcastle as the club unveiled a stand at the London Stadium named in honour of their legendary former captain. The current east stand, which holds 20,000 home supporters, is now the Billy Bonds Stand as the club looked to pay tribute to their record appearance holder. Bonds, who twice lifted the FA Cup, in 1975 and 1980, joins fellow Hammers greats Bobby Moore and Sir Trevor Brooking in being immortalised at the stadium. Billy Bonds was given a heroes welcome as West Ham unveiled a stand named after him Bonds was left overcome by emotion as the crowd roared when he was welcomed to the pitch Ahead of facing Newcastle, the club showed off the East stand which now holds Bonds' name Special flags were placed in the newly-named Billy Bonds stand for fans to raise pre-match The Billy Bonds Stand was unveiled in a prestigious ceremony prior to kick-off on Saturday ahead of thePremier League fixture against Newcastle. Billy, who was in attendance with his family and joined by a number of his former Hammers team-mates on the day, said earlier this week: 'I have so many great memories of this club and this really is the icing on the cake. It's a great honour and means so much to me and my family. 'To think that I am only the third West Ham player to receive this honour after Bobby Moore and Trevor Brooking - you can't get better than that. Two people that I admire, two great footballers, and two great friends. 'I am very lucky - I have had such great support at this club over the years. The fans have always been great to me, from day one. The one thing I always did was give effort, first and foremost, and if the West Ham fans see that, they will forgive a lot of things. Bonds was the centre of attention on Saturday as he also featured on the programme cover Bonds (R) is West Ham's record appearance holder, playing an incredible 799 games for them BONDS CAREER (League appearances only) Charlton 1964-67 Games: 95 Goals: 1 West Ham 1967-88 Games: 663 Goals: 48 Managerial career 1990-94: West Ham 1997-98: Millwall 'It is going to be a special day on March 2. I am really looking forward to it and it will be lovely for my family. I have two daughters and two granddaughters, and they can't wait to come to London Stadium to see it. I'm getting on a bit now, into my 70s, but it will be great - when I'm no longer around - for my granddaughters to come here and say "That's Grandad's stand". That will be lovely.' The club's joint-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold added: 'This is a proud and historical moment for West Ham United, as we honour one of the very greatest players ever to pull on the famous claret and blue shirt. 'Since moving to London Stadium in the summer of 2016, it has always been our desire and intention to ensure that Billy is appropriately recognised, and his name will now stand permanently and proudly at our home. 'To West Ham United supporters, Billy Bonds epitomises the very heart and soul of our football club. A man who gave blood, sweat and tears during the course of a 21-year playing career and led the club with dignity and pride as a manager between 1990 and 1994. 'This honour is another hugely positive step for the club at London Stadium. With 60,000 supporters now in attendance at a home that pays fitting tribute to our unique heritage and the greatest players in our history, we look forward to a bright and successful future.' The legendary former captain featured on the back of some supporters' shirts on Saturday The club's chairmen admitted it was also their intention to honour Bonds at the stadium Bonds first joined West Ham from his local club Charlton in 1967 and finished his playing career in 1988 having made 799 senior appearances in claret and blue, winning the Hammer of the Year award four times. He remained at the club as a youth team coach, before stepping up to take over first team duties in February 1990 following the departure of Lou Macari. He led the Hammers through a tumultuous period, winning two promotions to the top flight in 1991 and 1993, paving the way for the club to establish themselves as a Premier League side. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility