There were brilliant scenes in Prague last night as West Ham lifted the Europa Conference League title. This trophy was the club's first in 43 years, defeating Fiorentina in dramatic fashion in the decider.
The game was a controversial one at times, with play being stopped on once occasion after Fiorentina player Cristiano Biraghi was left bloodied when he was struck by a cup thrown by fans from the English club.
However, that will only be a footnote in the story of the game as a result of Jarrod Bowen's late winner.
UNBELIEVABLE SCENES!! 💥
Jarrod Bowen writes himself in West Ham history to surely clinch glory with the last kick of the game!! 🤩#UECLfinal pic.twitter.com/W2b8zqfR8W— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) June 7, 2023
With this being the first time West Ham got their hands on a trophy since 1980, there were understandably some emotional scenes from the players and fans after the final whistle.
In saying that, nobody seemed to enjoy it more than David Moyes.
Shane Duffy pays tribute to David Moyes after first trophy win
David Moyes has not always been the most popular figure at West Ham, with some feeling that the club had underperformed at times in each of his two tenures. In fact, many were calling for him to lose his job earlier this season on the back of some questionable form in the league.
All of that will now be forgotten.
Having managed over 1,000 games during his career, this marks the first time that the Scot has won a major trophy. As one of the most widely respected managers, many were thrilled to see Moyes get his hands on some silverware.
Lovely moment between David Moyes and his dad.#UECLfinal pic.twitter.com/pl1nDw1ZY2
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) June 7, 2023
Our gaffer as you've never seen him before! 🤣 pic.twitter.com/e1JzNuioA4
— West Ham United (@WestHam) June 8, 2023
Plenty of tributes were paid to David Moyes on the back of this result, but none of then were more heartfelt than the one that came from Ireland defender Shane Duffy.
The Derry man worked under Moyes at Everton, joining the Merseyside club as a 15-year old. It's fair to say that he holds the 60-year old in very high regard.
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
A nice touch.
After the ups and downs he has gone through over the course of his career, David Moyes certainly deserves this moment.
SEE ALSO: West Ham Supporters Attacked By Fiorentina Fans In Prague
