AS WEST HAM’s fans gathered yesterday afternoon in Prague’s central square and the beers began (continued) to flow, most were probably oblivious to the medieval relic watching over them from high on the side of the Old Town Hall.
A shame, really, for had they glanced up at the Prague Orloj, one of the world’s oldest astronomical clocks, it may have told them all they needed to know: that the stars had aligned and this, at last, was their time.
On a famous night here in the Czech capital, Hammers history was made, Jarrod Bowen’s dramatic winner as the final seconds ticked away securing a 2-1 win over Fiorentina that shattered all manner of club hoodoos, ending droughts and waits that began in eras so fondly remembered, but on nights an increasingly precious few could genuinely claim to recall.
Not since Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and 1965 had West Ham won a European trophy. Not since Trevor Brooking, Billy Bonds and 1980 — comfortably before any of this squad were born — had they lifted any silverware at all. For David Moyes, this was vindication, the culmination of a career-long struggle, of 25 years and more than a thousand games, of longevity without triumph, of several return trips between the nadir of reputational write-off and redemption, to this moment and a previously unscaled peak.
This season alone, Moyes had been on the brink of the sack more than once, the subject of noisy dissent mere months ago but now a West Ham legend, even if he is loath to be discussed as such, and the first British manager to win European silverware since Sir Alex Ferguson, the man he was once so ill-fated to succeed.
This story is from the June 08, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 08, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Postecoglou must work out how to get Son to shine again
WHEN Tottenham faced tomorrow’s opponents Burnley in September, Ange Postecoglou’s starting XI more or less picked itself, but, as Spurs’ season has unravelled, the head coach has tinkered, leaving his best team far less clear today.
BA owner forecasts glorious summer as Asia flights return
BRITISH AIRWAYS owner IAG today said it was on track for a bumper summer after revenues grew by 9% in the first quarter of the year.
Drivers warned over delays as M25 closes again from 9pm
DRIVERS have been warned of lengthy delays as parts of the M25 are closed over the weekend, which could see the hottest day of the year.
Nigerian tour for Meghan and Harry after London meet
THE Duke and Duchess of Sussex today arrived in Nigeria for a three-day “private” tour after flying in together following a secret reunion in London.
ARTETA HOPES THEATRE OF DREAMS DOESN'T LEAD TO MORE NIGHTMARES
OLD TRAFFORD is known as the Theatre of Dreams, but for Arsenal it has so often been the stuff of nightmares.
Last place? I've thought about it
Ahead of going to bat for the UK at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, Olly Alexander is starting to feel the pressure.
Save me from this plague of horrible art shops
IN AN update on Britain’s catastrophe of good taste, Clarendon Fine Art shops are categorically booming.
POCH: I COULD DECIDE TO GO
BOSS INSISTS FUTURE IS NOT JUST IN THE HANDS OF CHELSEA’S OWNERS
Moyes deserves fans' acclaim as he heads towards the exit door
WHAT will go down as the defining image of David Moyes’s West Ham reign?
Vunipola's big chance to pay back Sarries for standing by him
No8 must switch focus to on-field matters as play-off race comes down to final two games