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      Modeste M’Bami dead aged 40: Ex-PSG and Cameroon star dies of heart attack with Fifa chief Infantino leading tributes

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      FORMER Paris Saint-Germain and Cameroon star Modeste M’Bami has tragically passed away from a heart attack, aged 40.The midfielder was capped 39 times by his country between 2000 and 2009.
      Modeste M’Bami spent three years with PSGCredit: Getty
      M’bami, left, also featured for Marseille for three seasonsCredit: Getty
      And he claimed a gold medal with Cameroon at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
      He won the Coupe de France on two occasions with PSG before joining Marseille in 2006.
      M’Bami then had trials at Premier League clubs in 2009 but ultimately ended up joining Almeria in Spain.
      He went on to play in China, Saudi Arabia and Colombia, before returning to France to finish his career at Le Havre.
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      He hung up his boots in 2016.
      PSG paid tribute to their former player on Sunday morning, with an emotional club statement reading: “Paris Saint-Germain is in mourning.
      “Modeste M’Bami has passed away at the age of 40 after suffering a heart attack.
      “Paris Saint-Germain offers heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”
      Most read in Football
      Ex-Marseille team-mate Toifilou Maoulida gave an emotional tribute, tweeting: “I just heard the sad news 😢😔.
      “He was more than a teammate, a wonderful friend always smiling… All my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones 🖤
      “Rest in peace Modeste M’Bami 🙏🏽🕊️🕯️.”
      And Fifa president Gianni Infantino also offered his condolences following M’Bami’s passing.
      Sharing a photo of the former player on Instagram, he added: “Such sad news. RIP Modeste M’Bami.”
      Another of M’Bami’s former clubs, Saudi side Ittihad, also posted a message on social media which read: “Farewell Modeste M’bami. You were a great football player.”
      He won the Coupe de France on two occasions with PSGCredit: AFP More

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      in Soccer

      Gianluca Vialli dies: Latest as tributes pour in for Chelsea, Juventus and Italy legend – updates

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      GIANLUCA VIALLI has sadly died at the age of 58.The lovable former Juventus, Chelsea and Sampdoria star had been battling cancer for the last few years.
      He also managed the Blues and Watford, before becoming Roberto Mancini’s assistant as they went on to win Euro 2020 just 18 months ago.
      Vialli was one of the best strikers in Europe in the 1990s and won the Champions League with Juventus in 1996 before moving to West London.
      Stay up to date for all the tributes on the Azzurri titan…
      ‘Vialli and Mancini ripped Serie A apart’
      Brentford boss Thomas Frank revealed his shock at seeing the news of Gianluca Vialli’s death – and reflected on his outstanding career.
      The former Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea legend passed away at the age of 58.
      And ahead of Brentford’s FA Cup game against West Ham tomorrow, Thomas Frank said: “I was shocked when I saw the news this morning. I remember him as a player, first of all in that Sampdoria team up front with [Roberto] Mancini, ripping Serie A apart.
      “[He was a ] fantastic striker in many senses, most likely one of the best ever in Italy. I never met him, but my sympathy and condolences go to his loved ones.”
      Bubbly Luca
      Gianluca Vialli once treated his Chelsea players to a glass of fancy champagne – before they took on London rivals Arsenal.
      The late Italian – who passed away today aged 58 – took charge of the Blues following Ruud Gullit’s sacking in 1998.
      Vialli was given a baptism of fire with a League Cup semi-final second-leg clash with eventual Premier League winners Arsenal.
      While most incoming managers rely on giving a Rocky-esque speech to motivate their new players for their match in charge, Vialli already had the respect and adoration of the troops as he spilled blood, sweat and tears with them on the pitch.
      And in his first pre-match team talk, he showed the class he’d become renowned for in years to come by handing each player a glass of champers.
      ‘Truly magnificent footballer’
      Gary Lineker has paid tribute to Gianluca Vialli via Twitter.
      Lineker’s gave statement after Vialli’s death
      Moment of Silence
      Chelsea Women held a moment of silence in training as a tribute to the late Gianluca Vialli.
      Chelsea women reflected on the life of Vialli before their training session
      AC Milan on Vialli
      AC Milan are one of several clubs passing on condolences to the loved ones of Italian legend Gianluca Vialli.
      The footballing world has been mouring Vialli
      ‘Bye My Friend’
      This was Carlo Ancelotti’s tribute to his fellow Italian Gianluca Vialli.
      Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had this tribute to his countryman
      James pays tribute
      Reece James has paid tribute to Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli.
      The full-back hailed the late Italian as “one of the very best”.
      Chelsea Football Club is in mourning after the death of a legend
      Gianluca Vialli – 1964-2023
      Tributes have been pouring in all morning for Chelsea and Juventus legend Gianluca Vialli, who has died at the age of 58
      ‘Our captain. My Captain. All the time.’
      Italian football legend Alessandro Del Piero has paid tribute to former teammate Gianluca Vialli.
      The pair were at Juventus together in the 90s and were part of a team who won multiple trophies during a golden period.
      He said of Vialli: “Our captain. My Captain. All the time. Bye Luca.”
      Alessandro Del Piero and Gianluca Vialli are both legends in Italian football
      Conte out of Press Conference
      Antonio Conte has pulled out of his pre-match press conference today following the death of Gianluca Vialli.
      Conte played alongside the former striker, who has died at the age of 58, when the pair were at Juventus together.
      His assistant Christian Stellini will now face questions from the media.
      Spurs are playing League 1 Portsmouth in the FA Cup this weekend.
      A Trophy-Laden Life
      Gianluca Vialli was considered one of the best strikers of his generation – and has a trophy cabinet to match his talent.
      Sampdoria – Seria A 1990-91, Coppa Italia 1984-85, 1987-88, 1988-89, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup
      Juventus – Serie A 1994-95, Coppa Italia 1994-95, Champions League 1995-96, UEFA Cup 1992-1993
      Chelsea (player) – FA Cup 1996-97, League Cup 1998-98, UEFA Cup Winners Cup 1994-95
      Chelsea (manager) – FA Cup 1999-2000, League Cup 1997-98, FA Charity Shield 2000, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup 1997-98, UEFA Super Cup 1998
      ‘Honour to have known you’
      TV football legend Chris Kamara has added a tribute to the late Gianluca Vialli.
      The Italian joined Kamara and co-host Ben Shephard on their former Sky Sports show ‘Goals on Sunday’ few years ago.
      Chris Kamara said ‘it was an honour’ to know Vialli
      ‘A truly awful day’
      Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali have added their voice to the tributes to Gianluca Vialli.
      They said in a statement: “This is truly an awful day for Chelsea Football Club. Gianluca’s legend will live on at Stamford Bridge.
      “His impact as a player, a coach and most importantly as a person, will be forever written across our club’s history. We send our heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
      ‘Loved by fans, players and staff’
      Chelsea have hailed “legend” Gianluca Vialli on their website after the star’s passing.
      They said in a moving statement: “As soon as he walked through the door at Stamford Bridge when already a global football star, Luca declared his wish to become a Chelsea legend.
      “It is a target he undoubtedly reached, revered for his work on the pitch and in the dugout during some of the most successful years in our history.
      “Loved by fans, players and staff at Stamford Bridge, Luca will be sorely missed not just by the Chelsea community, but the entire footballing world, including in his native Italy, where he was such an iconic figure.”
      ‘We will miss you’
      Ruud Gullit has shared a picture of him and his former manager Gianluca Vialli after the ex-Chelsea player’s passing.
      The two were at Stamford Bridge together in the 90s with Vialli following Gullit as a player-manager after the Dutchman was sacked.
      He wrote: “RIP Gianluca Vialli. We will miss you” with a heart emoji.
      Ruud Gullit brought Vialli to Stamford Bridge in 1996
      ‘Gorgeous soul’
      Graeme Souness was fighting back tears as he paid tribute to his former teammate Gianluca Vialli, who he said had a “gorgeous soul”.
      An emotional Souness, who was at Sampdoria with Vialli between 1984 and 1986, said the striker was a “fun-loving guy” and a “warm individual.”
      Souness told Sky Sports News: “I can’t tell you how good a guy he was. Forget football for a minute, he was just a gorgeous soul, a truly nice human being.
      “He was just fabulous to be around. He was a fun-loving guy, full of mischief and a wonderful player. But I don’t want to talk about his football, I want to talk about him as a human being.
      “What a human being. My condolences go to his family and his wife. They’ve been blessed that their paths crossed him.”
      Sampdoria Say Goodbye
      Sampdoria have paid tribute to their former player Gianluca Vialli who has passed away at the age of 58.
      Vialli played at Sampdoria between 1984 and 1992, spending more time there than at any other club in his career.

      RIP Vialli
      The football world is in mourning once again as the passing of Gianluca Vialli has been announced.
      The former Chelsea hero passed way at the age of 58, five years after first being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
      With his wife and children by his side, the Italian sadly passed away on Friday, January 6 2023. When speaking to The Times about his cancer diagnosis, Vialli opened up on the support from his wife.
      He said: “My daughters helped me drawing my eyebrows and I have I asked my wife for advice what tricks to use. 
      “We laughed, you have to laugh, you need to find the funny side, but there were days where I locked myself in the bathroom so they wouldn’t see me cry.”
      ‘Genuinely gutted’
      Peter Crouch has paid tribute to his hero Gianluca Vialli, who has passed away at the age of 58.
      The former Liverpool man revealed how much he looked up to the star striker, who played for Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea in his action-packed playing days.
      Crouch tweeted: “I’m genuinely gutted about this.
      “I had Sampdoria home and away shirt because of him. I tried to replicate his volleys in the park and such a lovely man when I met him.”
      Sinclair on his former boss
      Former Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair has hailed former boss Gianluca Vialli as “one of the nicest guys” he has met.
      The Italian has passed away after a battle with cancer at the age of 58. Sinclair played with him and under him during the 1990s at Stamford Bridge.
      Frank Sinclair and Gianluca Vialli enjoyed some good times together at Stamford Bridge
      A Legend
      Gianluca Vialli was beloved in both his country and in England, particularly West London.
      The Italian moved to Chelsea in 1996 on a free transfer as part of Ruud Gullit’s rebuild during an exciting and experimental period in the club’s history.
      Vialli adapted very quickly and proved his goalscoring ability but did not always get on with Gullit.
      He then replaced the Dutchman in February 1998 after he was sacked, taking on a player-manager role and becoming the first Italian boss in Premier League history.
      He went on to win the League Cup, European Cup Winners’ Cup, UEFA Super Cup and then finish 3rd in the league in 1998. It was the Blues’ highest league finish since 1970.
      ‘Missed by so many’
      Chelsea have paid tribute to their former player and manager Gianluca Vialli.
      The Italian has died at the age of 58 and the West London club have tweeted that he would be “missed by so many.”
      Vialli was a player, player-manager and manager at Chelsea and popular with the fans
      Juventus pay tribute
      Gianluca Vialli’s former club Juventus have paid tribute to the Italian after his death was announced this morning.
      The Italian club posted a picture of the former striker lifting the Champions League in 1996 with the message “Ciao Gianluca.”
      Juventus have paid tribute to their former star player
      Gianluca Vialli dies aged 58
      Former Chelsea and Juventus striker Gianluca Vialli has died at the age of 58 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
      The striker was a popular player during his time at Stamford Bridge and later went on to be the Chelsea manager. 
      He led the club to the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the League Cup in 1998 and then the FA Cup in 2000.
      Vialli had been given the all-clear from cancer in April 2020 following a 17-month struggle. 
      But he was diagnosed with the illness for a second time in 2021 and his condition worsened in the weeks leading up to Christmas last year. 
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      Grief-stricken Antonio Conte pulls out of Tottenham press conference after death of Italy legend Gianluca Vialli

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      ANTONIO CONTE has pulled out of Tottenham’s press conference following the death of Gianluca Vialli.The Italian manager was due to speak to the press ahead of Spurs’ FA Cup tie against Portsmouth tomorrow.
      Antonio Conte pulled out of a press conference following the death of Gianluca VialliCredit: PA
      Vialli died at the age of 58Credit: Reuters
      However, Conte was a no-show following the announcement that Vialli had passed away at the age of 58.
      He died after his pancreatic cancer returned in 2021 after he was given the all-clear in 2020.
      Vialli continued to work until he was forced to step away from his role with the Italian national team last month.
      The two Italians played together at Serie A side Juventus between 1992 and 1996.
      READ MORE ON GIANLUCA VIALLI
      However, they never played together for the Italian national team, as Vialli had finished his international career before Conte’s debut.
      They were both part of the successful Juventus side that won the UEFA Cup in 1993, the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia double in 1995, as well as the Champions League in 1996.
      Vialli ended his time in Turin in 1996 when he moved to the Premier League Chelsea, where he would then become player-manager for a year.
      It is another overlap in their careers as Conte also managed the Stamford Bridge side, taking charge in 2016 before he was sacked in 2018.
      Most read in Football
      Conte is still expected on the touchline at Tottenham’s FA Cup clash with Portsmouth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which will take place just 24 hours after Vialli’s death.
      The 53-year-old manager will be hoping that his side can convert their Premier League form after they thrashed Crystal Palace 4-0 on Wednesday evening.
      Spurs assistant manager Cristian Stellini took over the duty of the press conference in Conte’s absence and spoke about the manager’s emotions.
      He said: “Absolutely, Antonio, in this moment, is upset and sad and every one of us we are close to Vialli’s family and all the people that love Vialli.”
      Stellini also paid tribute to Vialli as he said: “He’s an important person in Italy and also in England. We’re close together to stay with his family and remember him in the right way.
      “He was a great player, but first of all was a great man. He taught us a lot of things, not only when he played but when he spoke with everyone.
      “When you know him, and the people who know him can only speak well about this great guy. He was a great leader for Italy.
      “He opened the door for Italian managers. He was the first [in England]. In that moment, maybe Premier League for us was different, not a country for Italian managers.
      “But, in that moment, the Premier League grew a lot and overcame the Serie A.
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      “Now we have to say thanks to Vialli for opening this door to everyone. He let us understand how important football in Europe is, to open doors.
      “Because an Italian manager came into the PL and improved the PL together. It’s a great thing.” More

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      in Athletics

      Rosi Mittermaier dead at 72: Double Olympic ski champion dies after ‘serious illness’ as family pay tribute

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      TWO-TIME German Olympic ski champion Rosi Mittermaier has died at the age of 72.One of the stars of the 1976 Winter Olympics, Mittermaier passed away after a “serious illness” surrounded by family.
      Double Olympic gold ski champ Rosi Mittermaier has died aged 72Credit: ABC
      A statement released by her loved ones read: “We as a family announce the sad news that our beloved wife, mum and grandma passed away peacefully on January 4th, 2023 after a serious illness surrounded by the family.”
      Mittermaier is regarded as one of the greatest skiers in history, having made her World Cup debut aged just 16 in 1967.
      But her biggest success as a pro athlete undoubtedly came in 1976.
      Aged 25, she finally won her first overall World Cup title, plus the slalom and combined discipline titles.
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      That same year, Mittermaier also dominated the slopes at the Winter Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria.
      She won gold medals in both the downhill and slalom events.
      And Mittermaier even took silver in the giant slalom too.
      Only Soviet Union cross-country skier Raisa Smetanina could match her achievements.
      Most read in Athletics
      Mittermaier was married to fellow pro skier Christian NeureutherCredit: Getty
      And Mittermaier became a national icon in Germany as a result, earning the nickname ‘Gold Rosi’.
      But despite being at the peak of her career, and only nine years on from her debut as a teen, Mittermaier decided to retire from skiing.
      Finishing with 16 German national titles, she eventually married Christian Neureuther, himself a winner of six World Cup slalom races.
      And the couple’s son Felix is a former World champion skier who only retired from the spot in 2019.
      After leaving the world of skiing, Mittermaier became involved in charitable work while also commentating for German TV.
      And in 2000 she set up a charity to help children suffering from rheumatism. More

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      in Motorsport

      Michel Ferte dead aged 64: Le Mans runner-up and Formula 3 driver passes away after illustrious motorsport career

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      FORMER Formula 3 driver and Le Mans runner-up Michel Ferte has died. Ferte’s passing at the age of 64 was announced by Le Mans organiser the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.
      Michel Ferte driving for Cosworth Équipe OrecaCredit: Alamy
      Ferte passed away at the age of 64Credit: Sutton Motorsport Images
      The Frenchman famously won the F3’s Monaco Grand Prix in 1983 following his brother, Alain’s, back-to-back victories in 1981 and 1982.
      He then followed this up by claiming victory in the 1983 French F3 Championship after coming second the year prior.
      But perhaps his most famous race in Motorsport came at the 24-hour Le Mans race.
      He finished second in the 1991 event alongside Davy Jones and Raul Boesel in a Jaguar XJR-12 Group C car.
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      Following his F3 exploits Ferte made the jump to F2, the series directly below F1.
      But things did not go as well for him there, as he failed to earn a race win but did come third in the championship in 1984.
      He did however have a chance to drive an F1 car as a test driver for Ligier in 1984 and ’85.
      Ferte enjoyed more success in Endurance racing.
      Most read in Motorsport
      His career in this field included a pair of victories in the BPR-run International GT Endurance Series in 1994 alongside Olivier Thevenin.
      Ferte started racing in karting in aged 12 and carried on racing until as recently as 2018. More

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      in Soccer

      Was David Gold married and how many kids did he have?

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      WEST HAM co-chairman David Gold has died aged 86 and leaves behind him a footballing legacy.The former Birmingham City chairman was joint chair of the Hammers when he died, alongside pal David Sullivan.
      David Gold and his fiancee Lesley Manning at the London StadiumCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      And he leaves behind a family who are involved in his business ventures.
      His businesses have left him with a fortune of £500million.
      Was David Gold married when he died?
      Gold married Beryl Hunt in 1957.
      But their marriage ended acrimoniously when he caught her cheating with his best friend in a swimming pool 15 years later.
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      Gold later found love with Lesley Manning, with whom he has lived for the past decade.
      The pair were happy together and were regularly pictured together at celebrity events and premieres, as well as at West Ham games.
      Jacqueline Gold photographed at the Ann Summers HQCredit: David Bebber – The Times
      Vanessa Gold, left, and Jacqueline Gold, right, with their father DavidCredit: Alamy
      Does David Gold have any children?
      Yes, Gold has two children from his marriage.
      The eldest, Jacqueline Gold, is the CEO of Ann Summers and Knickerbox.
      Most read in Football
      Her younger sister Vanessa is also involved in Ann Summers and Knickerbox as managing director. More

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      in Soccer

      What was David Gold’s net worth?

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      West Ham co-owner David Gold has unfortunately passed away and the footballing world will miss him.Gold was a lifelong Hammers fan and bought the club alongside his long-term business partner David Sullivan in 2010.
      David Gold helped move West Ham to the London Stadium during his time at the clubCredit: PA
      He passed away on Wednesday morning following a short illness, it has been revealed.
      Gold celebrated many achievements with West Ham during his time in charge, most recently reaching the Europa League semi-final last season.
      What was David Gold’s net worth?
      Being part-owner of a football club is no small feat and Gold, along with Sullivan, saw West Ham rise to become an established Premier League club during their time in charge despite relegation in their first season.
      David Moyes is the current man in the dugout and has been the most successful manager under the pair.
      read more david gold
      We have all the information on Gold’s net worth and how he made his money in order to invest in his boyhood club.
      Gold made most of his income as the owner of Gold Group International.
      This was the parent company to many successful businesses, most notably Ann Summers, one of the most renowned high street chains in the United Kingdom.
      David Gold was chairman at Birmingham City for a stintCredit: PA
      He also was in charge of Birmingham City for a short stint before investing in his boyhood club.
      Most read in Football
      The Sunday Times rich list listed Gold’s net worth at £500million, while his fellow owner at West Ham, Sullivan, is reportedly worth £1.2billion.
      Gold was part of a revolutionary period in West Ham’s history, seeing them move from the Boleyn Ground in 2016 and he leaves behind an impressive legacy at the club. More

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      in Soccer

      David Gold dead at 86: West Ham pay tribute after co-chairman passes away with family by side following short illness

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      WEST HAM co-chairman David Gold has died aged 86.He passed away on Wednesday morning following a short illness with his fiancée Lesley and daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa by his side.
      David Gold has passed away aged 86Credit: Reuters
      The lifelong Hammer bought West Ham with David Sullivan in 2010Credit: PA
      Karren Brady paid tribute to her “great friend” GoldCredit: Getty
      Gold – worth over £500million – was raised on Green Street in East London, just yards from the Boelyn Ground.
      A lifelong Hammers fan, he bought the club alongside his long-term business partner David Sullivan in 2010.
      An ardent fan of the English game, he bought the second edition of the FA Cup trophy at an auction in 2005 for £488,000, claiming he did not want it to be bought by a foreign investor and taken overseas.
      The Hammers are planning a full tribute for Gold in the coming days.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      In an emotional statement, Sullivan said: “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, 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.”
      Most read in Football
      Manager David Moyes – who was appointed by Gold on two separate occasions – added: “I am extremely sad to hear this news.
      “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.”
      Irons vice-chairman and close friend Karren Brady said: “To a great man, a great friend for over 30 years and a completed gentlemen.
      “You will be missed. Rest in peace x.”
      A lifelong West Ham fan, Gold was born in Stepney in September 1936 and grew up at 442 Green Street, directly opposite the old Boleyn Ground, also known as Upton Park.
      As a promising young schoolboy player, he represented the club’s boys’ team between the ages of 13 and 16 and later appeared in the youth team.
      Gold was also the former chairman of Birmingham City until 2009.
      And ex-Blue Curtis Woodhouse paid a touching tribute to his former owner.
      He wrote: “Really sad to hear the news about David Gold passing.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I had some difficult times at Birmingham and when everybody else was trying to sack me, David reached out to try and help me.
      “That meant a lot to me then but even more to me now I’m older and I understand. RIP David.” More