A whole load of football people were over the moon for David Moyes as the Scotsman won his first trophy as a professional football manager on Wednesday night.
There were scenes of jubilation in Prague as Jarrod Bowen scored a 90th minute winner for the Hammers in the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina.
Moyes himself celebrated wildly, sprinting down the line with the excitement of it all.
Things calmed down for a few minutes, with referee Carlos del Cerro Grande giving Fiorentina every chance to get back in the game.
The man-in-the-middle allowed eight minutes of added time, even though only five were indicated, but West Ham defended resolutely during the additional period.
Paqueta and Rice and Coufal showed priceless composure in these dying minutes and before long, it was celebration time. There were emotional scenes as, first, Moyes celebrated with his players before he then met his 87-year-old dad on the field.
“When you’re a coach, you don’t get many good times, there’s lots of bad times in football,” he said after the game.
“Football can be very cruel, Fiorentina were unlucky to lose the game, but we have to enjoy this.”
Outside of the West Ham camp, plenty of tributes were paid to the 60-year-old, with Ireland defender leading the masses with an emotional tribute.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy for a single manager than David Moyes,” tweeted Duffy.
“Someone I look up to as a second dad who took me to Everton as a 15 year old! Well done West Ham ! My dad will be happy up above.”
Moyes brought the Derryman to Everton as a fifteen-year-old, and also gave him his professional debut for the club.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy for a single manager than David Moyes ! Someone I look up to as a second dad who took me to Everton as a 15 year old! Well done West Ham ! My dad will be happy up above 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
— Shane Duffy (@shaneduffy) June 7, 2023
Delighted for West Ham & especially David Moyes.
Bowen & these boys are now West Ham Legends!Premier League teams should be looking to dominate this competition. It’s not easy to win domestic trophies with Man City about, so go for it like the Hammers did!! 🏆🍺
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) June 7, 2023
Well done @WestHam well done David Moyes. A great man who deserves this. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) June 7, 2023
David Moyes and his dad proving that football still has some soul ❤️pic.twitter.com/ymlAqhAolS
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 7, 2023
Meanwhile, there were some great scenes of celebration in the West Ham changing room.
More David Moyes content please 🤌pic.twitter.com/TXxuzAbPAi
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 8, 2023
Related links.
- Ange Postecoglou appointed Tottenham manager as club eye up three new signings
- House of Football: Ireland’s glimmer of hope, selfies with Roy and the art of free-kicks
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer calls for “neglecting” Glazers to sell Manchester United
