WHILE Cherries fans recall John Bond the manager, it was his autograph signing and playing skills that first caught Harry Redknapp’s eye.

Redknapp grew up watching Mr Bond during his playing days as a legendary right-back with West Ham United.

Mr Bond made his name during a distinguished career with the Hammers and scored 37 goals in 444 first-team appearances from 1952-65.

Speaking yesterday after news of his friend’s death at the age of 79, Redknapp paid tribute to his fellow former Cherries boss.

He told the Daily Echo: “I first met John when I was stood outside West Ham’s ground collecting autographs as a 10-year-old. I can remember it as if it was now. I had a picture of him at the club Christmas party, eating a chicken leg, and he signed that for me.”

Redknapp continued: “When I went to West Ham as a 15-year-old, John was a senior player and a great right-back. He was one of the greatest passers and kickers of a ball I have ever seen. They called him Muffin at West Ham because he had a kick like a mule.

“He could hit a ball from right-back to outside-left like radar over 50 yards and you have never seen anyone strike a ball like it.

“He had a right foot like you have never seen. Nobody could pass a ball like Bondy. He could strike a ball that ferociously, it was amazing.”

After finishing his playing career with Torquay United, Mr Bond cut his managerial teeth with Cherries before spells in charge of Norwich City, Manchester City, Burnley, Swansea City, Birmingham City and Shrewsbury Town.

His son Kevin played for Cherries before also managing the club.