Proud Moments: West Ham’s Unforgettable Victory in the Europa Conference League
There are moments in football that make you forget the negatives.
They make you forget about the individuals who throw objects at players, they make you forget about the players who exaggerate injuries on the pitch, as if they were grievously wounded when barely touched.
Football creates moments that help us forget.
On the sidelines of Fortuna Arena, amidst the resounding celebrations of West Ham’s 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League, manager David Moyes caught sight of his father.
Without hesitation, he rushed over, embraced him tightly, and draped the winners’ medal, presented by UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, around his neck.
David Sr., 87 years old, and his 60-year-old son beamed from ear to ear. The sheer joy on their faces was truly something to behold—a father and son, the latter having proven his mettle in one of the most unforgiving professions, finally winning a trophy after a 25-year wait.
“He was the first person I thought of to put the medal around his neck,” Moyes shared. “I hope he’s savoring every moment.”
7th June 2023 will forever be etched in the memories of everyone associated with West Ham. It marked the club’s first trophy in 43 years and their first European title since the era of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, and Martin Peters back in 1965.
As Captain Declan Rice declared in the lead-up to the game, defeating Fiorentina in Prague would solidify their status as legends. And with Jarrod Bowen’s last-minute goal, that very moment allowed people to forget about the negatives.
However, as the euphoria subsides and satisfaction settles in, the challenges lie ahead.
“We dreamed of moments like this when we made the decision to move to the new ground,” stated Chairman David Sullivan in the club’s official statement following the final whistle.
“Now our task is to build on this triumph, along with the double-winning achievements of our Under-18 Academy team. We want every time our men and women step onto the field in the colors of West Ham United, they are vying for more success.”
These are commendable words, but implementing them won’t be easy.
To begin with, West Ham is preparing to bid farewell to their captain. Declan Rice’s unwavering commitment to the club was evident as he wholeheartedly embraced the post-match celebrations.
No one could accuse him of holding back, saving himself for a lucrative summer move. “I love this club, I love playing for this club,” he affirmed.
Yet, even amidst the thousands of fans chanting “One more year, Declan Rice” before, during, and after the victory, the inevitable exit looms.
David Moyes’ own future has faced intense scrutiny throughout this season. On three separate occasions, it seemed he was one defeat away from being sacked, only to secure the necessary results to survive another week.
The Scottish manager made his intentions clear in a pre-match interview, stating his unwavering commitment to the club. Given what he has just accomplished, it would be a particularly harsh decision for Sullivan to part ways with Moyes.
Such an outcome seems unlikely.
“If you had told me three years ago that West Ham would achieve what we have in the last three years—a sixth-place finish, a seventh-place finish, a European semi-final, and now a European trophy—you would have thought I’d lost my mind,” Moyes reflected.
“I consider myself incredibly fortunate at this club. The support has been unwavering, even when circumstances could have been different.”
There are moments in football that make you forget the negatives.
They make you forget about the individuals who throw objects at players, they make you forget about the players who exaggerate injuries on the pitch, as if they were grievously wounded when barely touched.
Football creates moments that help us forget.
On the sidelines of Fortuna Arena, amidst the resounding celebrations of West Ham’s 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League, manager David Moyes caught sight of his father.
Without hesitation, he rushed over, embraced him tightly, and draped the winners’ medal, presented by UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, around his neck.
David Sr., 87 years old, and his 60-year-old son beamed from ear to ear. The sheer joy on their faces was truly something to behold—a father and son, the latter having proven his mettle in one of the most unforgiving professions, finally winning a trophy after a 25-year wait.
“He was the first person I thought of to put the medal around his neck,” Moyes shared. “I hope he’s savoring every moment.”
7th June 2023 will forever be etched in the memories of everyone associated with West Ham. It marked the club’s first trophy in 43 years and their first European title since the era of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, and Martin Peters back in 1965.
As Captain Declan Rice declared in the lead-up to the game, defeating Fiorentina in Prague would solidify their status as legends. And with Jarrod Bowen’s last-minute goal, that very moment allowed people to forget about the negatives.
However, as the euphoria subsides and satisfaction settles in, the challenges lie ahead.
“We dreamed of moments like this when we made the decision to move to the new ground,” stated Chairman David Sullivan in the club’s official statement following the final whistle.
“Now our task is to build on this triumph, along with the double-winning achievements of our Under-18 Academy team. We want every time our men and women step onto the field in the colors of West Ham United, they are vying for more success.”
These are commendable words, but implementing them won’t be easy.
To begin with, West Ham is preparing to bid farewell to their captain. Declan Rice’s unwavering commitment to the club was evident as he wholeheartedly embraced the post-match celebrations.
No one could accuse him of holding back, saving himself for a lucrative summer move. “I love this club, I love playing for this club,” he affirmed.
Yet, even amidst the thousands of fans chanting “One more year, Declan Rice” before, during, and after the victory, the inevitable exit looms.
David Moyes’ own future has faced intense scrutiny throughout this season. On three separate occasions, it seemed he was one defeat away from being sacked, only to secure the necessary results to survive another week.
The Scottish manager made his intentions clear in a pre-match interview, stating his unwavering commitment to the club. Given what he has just accomplished, it would be a particularly harsh decision for Sullivan to part ways with Moyes.
Such an outcome seems unlikely.
“If you had told me three years ago that West Ham would achieve what we have in the last three years—a sixth-place finish, a seventh-place finish, a European semi-final, and now a European trophy—you would have thought I’d lost my mind,” Moyes reflected.
“I consider myself incredibly fortunate at this club. The support has been unwavering, even when circumstances could have been different.”
The work that lies ahead, however, is substantial.
Moyes initiated a squad restructuring last summer after securing consecutive top-seven Premier League finishes. Unfortunately, the efforts did not yield
Moyes initiated a squad restructuring last summer after securing consecutive top-seven Premier League finishes. Unfortunately, the efforts did not yield
