David Moyes knows just how special this is.
The West Ham United manager has enjoyed a long and storied coaching career, one that has taken him to the very top leagues across the continent and seen him work with some of the biggest names to grace a football pitch.
But, for over four decades working in the sport, Moyes enjoyed the biggest moment of his career on Wednesday evening, guiding the Hammers to a 2-1 win over ACF Fiorentina and the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy.
A first piece of silverware in 43 years will now travel back to east London with Moyes and his squad. The boss revelled in the moment, made even more special by sharing it with his family.
“This is fantastic,” he said. “I’ve had a long career in football and you don’t get many moments like this but thankfully tonight we’ve got the result we’ve wanted.
“My Dad was here. I’ve just had a picture with him on the pitch and it was great. He’s still going strong and he wanted to come to the game. It’s a great moment to have your family at the game for. These moments, as a manager, they don’t come around too often.
“It means just as much to my dad as it does to me. The family, from when you’re a young boy, they support you in football. You don’t always get good moments in football but today is a great moment for us.”
Having first taken charge of the Hammers in 2017, Moyes departed in 2018 and returned at the end of 2019, steering the side clear of relegation in his first season back before guiding the team to European football.
After a Europa League semi-final last season, the Hammers have done what many considered was just a dream. A European trophy has been won by the team so many hold dear and love so passionately.
Another year of European football awaits in the 2023/24 season now, something the boss is already excited for.
“West Ham is a brilliant Club in the east end of London who do a lot of work in the community. It’s a big family Club and I think it’s getting better and stronger.
“We’ve got a massive stadium that we’ve filled all season and tonight is another step on the road towards continued progress.”
In closing, the manager paid tribute to late Joint-Chairman David Gold and his daughter Jacqueline, who both passed away earlier this year, having supporting the Club through thick and thin for decades.
He said: “I think this would be a really good moment to mention the Gold family, who sadly can't be here. We lost David and unfortunately we lost Jacqueline as well, so I think it's really important we remember David Gold because it would have been very special for him.”
