West Ham's Jewish boss David Gold has passed away aged 86, according to his club.

West Ham said the 86-year-old passed away on Wednesday morning with his fiancee Lesley and daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa by his side.

In a statement, they said: “It is with deep sadness that West Ham United FC confirm that joint-chairman David Gold passed away peacefully this morning following a short illness,”

It is with deep sadness that West Ham United FC confirm that Joint-Chairman David Gold passed away peacefully this morning following a short illness.

— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 4, 2023

Mr Gold’s co-chairman David Sullivan led tributes to his long-time colleague, writing:" On behalf of everyone at the football club, it is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of our colleague and friend, David Gold."

“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. David had a long-standing connection with the Hammers… He always wanted what was best for West Ham United, and his passing is a great loss for all of us.”

Hammers’ manager, David Moyes said he was, “extremely sad to hear this news and, 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 [training ground] and always a source of great support and encouragement to myself and the players. t was clear that he had a genuine and sincere love for the club and was a true supporter at heart.”Mr Gold chaired the then Premier League team Birmingham City for sixteen years, alongside Mr Sullivan. The pair sold their respective shares in 2009, before taking over West Ham in January 2010.

West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady, a colleague of Mr Gold during his time at both clubs, published a tribute to him on Twitter, writing: “To a great man, a great friend for over 30 years and a complete gentleman – you will be missed. Rest in peace,” Brady tweeted.

The Stepney-born businessman lived opposite the team’s former Boleyn Ground in Upton Park during his childhood and played on the club's boys' and youth squads.

The East London-based club said the arrival of Mr Gold and Mr Sullivan "helped to steady the ship and protect the club's future during a period of great financial uncertainty".

Under their joint-chairmanship, the club moved to the former Olympic Park’s London Stadium, alongside their relegation, followed by their return to the Premier League and fixtures in the Europa League.

Mr Gold also chaired the lingerie retail chain Ann Summers. He formerly co-owned an adult magazine company and corporate air service Gold Air International

In 2012, Mr Gold said West Ham would take a "zero tolerance" approach to any supporters evidenced to have partaken in antisemitic abuse.

It came after the Football Association launched an investigation following the cautioning of two Hammers fans by police for racist and antisemitic chanting at an away game with Tottenham Hotspurs.

"Like many of the people around me in the directors' box at White Hart Lane I didn't hear or see any of the reported inappropriate behaviour during Sunday's game with Tottenham. If I had, then I'm sure I would have been mortified.

"As a board, we genuinely believe we have some of the best supporters in the country and we will not let a minority of fans, no matter how small, affect the reputation of our great club.

"We are a club that promotes tolerance and inclusion of people from all backgrounds, race, and religion. Just a quick look around our boardroom table would tell you that."

Mr Gold was the son of a Jewish East End criminal known locally as 'Goldy' and spoke fondly of his Jewish background.

Speaking to the BBC in 2012, he said: "I am very proud of my Jewish heritage and have always been made to feel welcome at West Ham since I started watching them as a young boy back in the 1950s.

"That wasn't always the case growing up in the East End and I know first-hand how difficult dealing with prejudice can be, which is why I feel so passionately about promoting inclusion in society today." 

Mr Gold’s great-grandfather died by suicide in the early 20th century after being “driven to despair” by antisemitism after fleeing persecution in Poland.