David Gold, businessman and West Ham co-owner, dies at 86

West Ham United have announced the death of their joint chairman and co-owner David Gold at the age of 86 after a short illness.

Born in Stepney, east London, Gold had a successful career in business before taking a stake in the Premier League club in 2010. He was instrumental in ensuring West Ham became permanent tenants of the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games.

Gold was the owner of the parent group of Ann Summers, the lingerie chain. He co-owned Sport Newspapers, publishers of the Daily Sport and Sunday Sport, until he and his brother Ralph sold the company in 2007.

David Sullivan, who took control of West Ham with Gold in 2010, said in a statement on the club website: “On behalf of