David Moyes ready for ‘biggest moment’ of career in first European final
David Moyes admitted it was “surreal” to walk out at the Eden Arena in Prague preparing for his first European final, the “biggest moment” of his career. Moyes’ West Ham face Italian side Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final in the Czech capital on Wednesday night. The 60-year-old, who began his managerial career with Preston in 1998, is yet to lift a major piece of silverware, the Community Shield with Manchester United in 2013 notwithstanding. Moyes is looking to become the first British manager since Sir Alex Ferguson, the man he replaced at the then champions, to lift a trophy, and join the former United boss in the pantheon of great Scottish managers in the English game. Moyes, who has attended plenty of European finals in his role on UEFA’s technical committee, and his players got a first look at the final venue on Tuesday evening. “It is slightly surreal,” he said. “Today, to turn up and have your own dressing room is a big thrill for me. I really hope I can take it to the next level and win the game. “I’ve had a really good career since I started coaching at 35. Over a thousand matches, been in some finals, had some promotions. But this is the biggest moment. To be a coach for as long as I’ve been, you’re obviously doing something right.” Moyes also categorically denied suggestions that he could step down after the final, regardless of the result. “It’s great to be sitting here in a European final, for any manager it’s a thrill, one of the pinnacles you can get in football as a coach,” he added. “Hopefully it’s the start. I’ve always said the best years are still to come and I’m certainly enjoying the moment and being here.” Moyes’ father, David Snr, has attended all their European away matches and will once again be in the crowd at the 20,000 capacity stadium – hopefully. “I think he’ll be in the pub,” smiled Moyes. “But to be in this position is very good and good for my family, and I hope they can enjoy it. Hopefully I can give him something he can remember.” Declan Rice will captain the Hammers in what will almost certainly be his final game for the club with Arsenal and Manchester United among those vying for his signature. Rice, predictably, was not put up in front of the media, high in the home of Slavia Prague, after the on-pitch walkabout. Instead, it was left to winger Jarrod Bowen to swat aside questions over the England midfielder’s future. “As his team-mates we are excited to go out for a final tomorrow with him as our captain,” said Bowen. “When I joined three years ago, never in my wildest dreams would I have thought we would be in the final. “We are team-mates and friends and to win it for everyone would be so special. That’s what our focus is on.” Moyes has a fully-fit squad, bar injured striker Gianluca Scamacca, as West Ham bid to end a trophy drought stretching back to 1980’s FA Cup win over Arsenal. Cup goalkeeper Alphonse Areola will start but regular number one Lukasz Fabianski, something of a penalty-saving expert over the years, could still have a major role to play if the final goes to a shoot-out. “We’ve got those thoughts,” said Moyes. “It’s about planning, I’ve got my thoughts – but won’t reveal them if you don’t mind.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Novak Djokovic fights back to book place in French Open semi-finals Report into discrimination within cricket to be published soon – Lucy Frazer I was raging in Brisbane but now I’m comfortable with rotation – Stuart Broad
2023-06-07 01:15
Golf Stocks Rally With PGA-LIV Deal Seen Boosting Sport’s Growth
Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. and Acushnet Holdings Corp. climbed after the shock announcement that the PGA Tour will
2023-06-07 01:15
India weighing up picking Ashwin, Australia settled for world test final
India is still weighing up whether to play Ravichandran Ashwin as the second spinner while Australia’s lineup is all but confirmed for their World Test Championship final from Wednesday at the Oval
2023-06-07 00:56
Bills' Hamlin participates in team drills for first time this offseason
With a helmet on, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin took part in team drills for the first time this spring and some six months since having a near-death experience during a game
2023-06-07 00:54
Forte is slight 5-2 favorite for Belmont Stakes over stablemate Tapit Trice
Forte is finally getting a crack at running in a Triple Crown race
2023-06-07 00:53
Rangers sign goalkeeper Jack Butland from Crystal Palace
Rangers have confirmed goalkeeper Jack Butland has agreed a four-year contract to join the club from Crystal Palace. Butland, who has most recently been on loan at Manchester United, will officially move to Ibrox on July 1, subject to international clearance. The 30-year-old has signed after first-choice goalkeeper Allan McGregor retired at the end of the season. Jon McLaughlin and Robby McCrorie remain under contract. “I’m over the moon,” Butland told Rangers’ official website. “The club speaks for itself. No matter where you are in football, you know about Rangers Football Club. This is a huge opportunity for me, and I’m delighted to be here. “I feel great and motivated at the age that I am, and I feel excited at what the future holds. Doing that at a club that is equally as passionate about winning and being at the top was huge for me. “It’s an important summer for the club and we need to get off to a good start. Getting the work done early is hugely important, so that we’re settled and raring to go when we come back in.” Butland joins Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling as new signings for Rangers and manager Michael Beale is happy to bring in a player of the goalkeeper’s experience. Beale: “I am delighted that we have recruited Jack. It was clear from our first meeting that we have a strong alignment on football and his development moving forward. “At 30, he is coming into the prime years of his career having already amassed huge experience with 300 appearances in senior football, including almost 90 in the Premier League. “In addition, he has played for England at every level, including nine caps for the senior team and five for the Great Britain Olympic team. “I feel that we have recruited an excellent goalkeeper and, importantly, a top person. We are delighted to have Jack and his young family arriving in Glasgow and look forward to seeing him excel in his time at Rangers.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-06-07 00:51
French Open to mark 10th anniversary of gay marriage in France with 'Pride Day' at Roland Garros
French Open organizers will celebrate a “Pride Day” on Wednesday to mark the 10th anniversary of the first same-sex marriage in France
2023-06-07 00:27
FIFA 23 James Milner EOAE SBC Leaked
FIFA 23 James Milner EOAE SBC has been leaked and it will likely arrive at some point during Ultimate Team of the Season.
2023-06-07 00:20
AUTO RACING: Busch keeps RCR resurgent; Palou and Verstappen win again
Kyle Busch continues to lead a return to the upper echelon for Richard Childress Racing
2023-06-06 23:59
PGA Tour, Europe to merge with Saudis and end LIV Golf feud
The most disruptive year in golf is coming to an end
2023-06-06 23:59
Defiant reporter shoves hockey fan who tries to interrupt her live TV coverage
Live TV caught the unfortunate moment a hockey reporter was forced to stiff-arm a fan who insisted on interrupted her coverage. Samantha Rivera of CBS Miami was covering the Florida Panthers vs the Vegas Golden Knights when the fan tried to shove his way into the frame, forcing her to make him back off with her arm. “Listen, I don’t give a damn what team you’re rooting for - get the hell out of my face when I’m working and respect that I’m here to do my job,” she later wrote on Twitter. "Excited to get back home to some classy Panthers fans for Game 3!“ Click here to sign up for our newsletters
2023-06-06 23:58
Mancini includes 5 Inter Milan players in Italy squad for Nations League final four
Italy coach Roberto Mancini has included five Inter Milan players in the squad for next week’s Nations League final four
2023-06-06 23:56