Billy Bonds Archives - Blowing Bubbles

What history tells us about our chances of bouncing back to the top

September 28, 2026 Brian Penn 0

In 107 years as members of the Football League, we have been relegated on only seven occasions. During that time we have never played outside of the top two tiers – a feat achieved by

Exploring the chaos of Harry Redknapp in his very first season

August 30, 2026 Robert Banks 0

What happened at West Ham United in the summer of 1994 is one of the great mysteries alongside The Bermuda Triangle, The Loch Ness Monster and Crop Circles. All that is known for sure is

Rebuilding Upton Park and surviving the drop during the dawn of the Premier League era

June 17, 2026 Robert Banks 0

Promotion was achieved in May by the narrowest of margins. Indeed, the hair’s breadth between success and failure was highlighted by the fact that Portsmouth, who missed out by a single goal, failed to reach

Relegation reality check and the long road back to the Premier League

June 8, 2026 David Blackmore 0

It was a devastating campaign. We were comfortably the third worst team over the season, and our relegation was thoroughly deserved. Despair on the pitch and protests in the boardroom The warning signs were there

How retired West Ham players navigate life after football

May 24, 2026 Brian Penn 0

A Premier League footballer earns on average £80,000 a week. That’s around £4 million a year. Add in image rights, performance bonuses and sign-on fees and that salary could easily double. By the time retirement

Billy Bonds Years: How West Ham escaped the second tier in 1993

May 22, 2026 David Blackmore 0

Relegation in May 1992 had been heartbreaking but not altogether unexpected, given the lack of investment in the squad and protests against the ill‑fated Bond Scheme. These had driven a wedge between supporters and the

Allen McKnight: ‘West Ham still have my heart and I watch them every time I can’

April 18, 2026 Julian Shea 0

For West Ham fans, the 80s were a golden age – of nicknames. Some of the most unforgettable monickers were given to players, who have been defined by them for decades. David Cross, better known

Toxic bond schemes and pitch protests amid a grim relegation battle

April 4, 2026 Robert Banks 0

Promotion in May had proved something of an anti-climax, with the team crawling over the line and missing out on the Second Division title at the last minute. That lack of momentum continued into the

Gary Strodder: ‘I love the old grounds, and the old days – it was a better game then’

March 13, 2026 Julian Shea 0

Anyone who finds West Ham’s transfer dealings frustrating these days would be well advised to look back at how the club did its recruitment in the 1980s. In October 1983, for what remains the only

The Billy Bonds Years: ‘To lose the title in the last minute was as disappointing as it was typical’

March 9, 2026 Robert Banks 0

Those of us who remember the 1990-91 season often think of it as a time of thrilling football and a triumphant return to the First Division under the heroic leadership of the legendary Billy Bonds.

Billy Bonds