West Ham United co-chairman David Gold has died at the age of 86 following a short illness

A lifelong Hammers fan, the club said he passed away "peacefully" on Wednesday morning with his fiancee and daughters by his side.

Gold, previously the chairman and co-owner of Birmingham City, became joint-chairman at West Ham with David Sullivan in 2010.

"I am extremely sad to hear this news," said manager David Moyes.

"On behalf of all of the players and my staff at the training ground, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to David Gold's family at this very difficult time.

"Mr Gold was a regular visitor to Rush Green and always a source of great support and encouragement to myself and the players. It was clear that he had a genuine and sincere love for the club and was a true supporter at heart.

"He took a great interest in the people working behind the scenes and was always keen to help in any way he could. He will be greatly missed."

Gold grew up directly opposite the Boleyn Ground - West Ham's former stadium - and played for the club's boys' and youth teams.

"Of all our joint ventures, none gave us more pride and happiness than the day we took ownership of West Ham United, our club, in January 2010," said Sullivan.

"David had a long-standing connection with the Hammers, having grown up opposite the Boleyn Ground in Green Street, and represented the club at junior level.

"He always wanted what was best for West Ham United, and his passing is a great loss for all of us."

Gold was at Birmingham City for 16 years, selling his shares in 2009 before he and Sullivan took over at West Ham in January 2010.

West Ham said their takeover "helped to steady the ship and protect the club's future during a period of great financial uncertainty".

His tenure at the club oversaw its move to the London Stadium, as well as relegation and subsequent promotion back to the Premier League and playing in the Europa League.

Outside of football, Gold was also the chairman of retail chain Ann Summers and previously co-owned an adult magazine company and corporate air service.

Writing on Twitter, Birmingham City said it was "devastated" to learn of Gold's passing.

The Club is devastated to learn of the passing of former Chairman David Gold at the age of 86.

Our thoughts are with his daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa, and his fiancée Lesley at this incredibly difficult time. 💙 pic.twitter.com/cCXmZDYIyT

— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) January 4, 2023

Tributes paid to a 'complete gentleman'

West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady led the tributes to Gold on Twitter, saying he was a "great man, a great friend and a complete gentleman".

Former Hammers forward Carlton Cole said: "Mr Gold was a favourite of mine at the club.

"Always had time for me and wanted me to win in life. A very kind and warm-hearted man."

Ex-striker Clinton Morrison said Gold "made him feel welcome" when he signed for Birmingham in 2002, while former Blues midfielder Curtis Woodhouse said he had "reached out to try and help" during difficult times at the club.