A Special Bond

Two-time FA Cup-winning captain Billy Bonds speaks to Saturday's Official Programme for the visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers
The FA Cup will always hold a special place in the heart of Hammers legend Billy Bonds MBE and he is desperate to see his beloved West Ham United lift the famous trophy once again.

Bonds has a special relationship with the competition, having lifted the trophy on two occasions back in 1975 and 1980.

Speaking to Saturday’s Official Programme for the visit of Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 69-year-old would love nothing more than for the Club he loves to win the competition for the fourth time in their history.

“I think the FA Cup is a great opportunity for the Club this season,” said Bonds, who was voted Hammer of the Year on four occasions and played a record 793 games in Claret and Blue. “Some years we have been mainly concerned with staying in the league, but this year we have started the season really well and got points on the board.

“We are getting players back from injury which is going to make us stronger and I think we have got a really good chance of having a run at it.

“We have been given a draw at home against a Championship side and that is never easy. There has never been an easy game in the FA Cup, but we have got home advantage and I hope we can go far this season.”

In an emotional interview, Bonds says he would love to see West Ham win their first major silverware since he climbed the famous Wembley steps 36 years ago.

The great man also discusses his hopes for the Hammers’ move to Stratford in the summer, and his plans to bring his grandchildren back to pay a personal farewell to the Boleyn Ground.

Saturday’s issue, which features Bonds on a retro cover harking back to a win over First Division champions Wolves in 1958, also includes a host of exciting, exclusive content which every West Ham fan simply cannot afford to miss!

To order a copy of what could be the final FA Cup programme issued for a tie at the Boleyn Ground, click on the link below.