If you are a fan of English football, you probably know the name David Gold. He is the co-owner and co-chairman of West Ham United, one of the most popular and historic clubs in the Premier League. But do you know the story of how he became one of the most influential figures in the sport and one of the richest men in Britain? In this article, we will explore the life and career of David Gold, from his humble beginnings to his achievements as a businessman and a football executive.
Early Life and Business Career
David Gold was born in 1936 in Stepney, London, to a poor Jewish family. His father was a tailor who struggled to make ends meet, and his mother died when he was 13. He left school at 15 and worked as a messenger boy for a newspaper. He soon developed an interest in printing and publishing and started his own business with his brother Ralph in 1962. They bought a small adult magazine called Knave and turned it into a profitable venture. They expanded their portfolio to include other magazines, books, and newspapers and eventually founded Gold Group International, a media empire that made them millionaires.
Networth
According to the Sunday Times Rich List 2020, David Gold has a net worth of £460 million, making him the 372nd richest person in the UK. He has used his wealth to pursue his passion for football, especially West Ham United.
Football Career
He had been a supporter of the club since he was seven years old when he watched them play at Upton Park. He dreamed of owning the club one day, and in 1993, he got his chance. He bought a stake in Birmingham City, another football club, and became their chairman. He helped them achieve promotion to the Premier League in 2002, and also invested in their stadium and academy. He sold his shares in Birmingham City in 2009, and joined forces with David Sullivan, another businessman and former co-owner of Birmingham City, to buy West Ham United for £50 million.
Since then, David Gold has been instrumental in transforming West Ham United into a competitive and ambitious club. He oversaw the move from Upton Park to the London Stadium in 2016, which increased the club’s capacity and revenue. He also supported the recruitment of several high-profile managers and players, such as Manuel Pellegrini, David Moyes, Dimitri Payet, Marko Arnautovic, and Sebastien Haller. He has also been vocal about his vision for the club, which is to challenge for European qualification and trophies.
Philanthropy and Honors
David Gold is not only a successful businessman and a football executive, but also a philanthropist and a role model. He has donated millions of pounds to various charities and causes, such as prostate cancer research, children’s hospices, and Jewish heritage. He has also received several awards and honors for his contributions to football and society, such as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Football Business Awards in 2018, and the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Queen Elizabeth II in 2016.
Final Thoughts
David Gold is one of the most remarkable figures in English football. He has overcome poverty and adversity to become a wealthy and influential businessman and a co-owner of West Ham United. He has shown his passion and commitment to the club by investing in its infrastructure, personnel, and performance. He has also given back to the community by supporting various charitable initiatives and inspiring others with his story. David Gold is truly a man who loves football and lives by its values.
