FORMER Cherries manager John Bond, who revitalised the ailing club in the early 1970s, has died at the age of 79.

Born in Dedham, Essex, John joined West Ham United in March 1950.

His ability as a goal-scoring right-back soon resulted in him gaining a regular place in the Hammers side and he was selected for the England ‘A’ side.

A favourite of the fans at Upton Park he was usually referred to as ‘Muffin’ because of his ability to kick like a mule.

John was picked for the 1964 FA Cup Final win at Wembley Stadium but missed out on the European Cup Winners’ Cup Final victory the following season.

In January 1966 he left to join Torquay United, retiring in 1969 after opening a sweet shop in the resort.

John’s coaching career began when he joined the staff of Gillingham and in May 1970 he was appointed manager at Bournemouth, replacing Freddie Cox.

He is usually credited with the change of the club name to AFC Bournemouth.

He led Bournemouth to promotion, as runners-up in Fourth Division at the end of the first season and almost to promotion again the following season, as Bournemouth finished third in the Third Division. John’s son Kevin also managed Bournemouth.

His success led to John being appointed Norwich City manager, replacing Ron Saunders.

He resigned to manage Manchester City in October 1980.
After galvanising the side John took over at Burnley.

A year later he was appointed manager at Swansea City but left on December 20, 1985.

He was appointed manager of Birmingham City in 1986 and sacked the following year.

After managing Asa Hartford at Shrewsbury Town he resigned and worked as a football commentator before returning to coaching.

Many tributes have been paid to a colourful, affable, courteous character.
Harry Redknapp recalled how their paths had first crossed when he was a 10-year-old autograph-hunter outside West Ham United’s stadium.

Redknapp went on to play at West Ham alongside John before they were reunited at Cherries.

He told the Daily Echo: “John always had an opinion. I’d ask him what he reckoned and he would always come up with ideas; he loved football.”

John is survived by his wife Janet, son Kevin and daughter Toni.