Dan Walker: former Football Focus presenter speaks on ‘wonderful’ West Ham Europa Conference League victory

West Ham are officially Europa Conference League champions. It’s the first major trophy the Hammers have lifted since their FA Cup victory in 1980. Sheffield TV presenter, Dan Walker, has commended the West Ham players, as well as manager David Moyes, for their monumental achievement.

Posting to Twitter, Dan said: “What a night for West Ham and their fans. What a night for David Moyes. Wonderful stuff #WestHam 🏆 DJ goes straight into Freed From Desire 👏🏻”.

A shaky first half for both sides saw a Fiorentina goal disallowed for offside just before halftime, as Kouame’s header off a rebound slid through the hands of Areola. In the second half, a penalty was awarded to West Ham for handball, which Benrahma adeptly powered into the top right corner to put the Hammers ahead.

Just five minutes later, Fiorentina midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura responded, slotting a right footed effort into the back of the net to level the score. Several chances continued to present themselves for both teams, but it wasn’t until the 90th minute that the game was decided.

Lucas Paqueta slotted a perfectly weighted ball through to the running Jarrod Bowen, who remained composed on the ball - taking a touch before striking the ball towards the Fiorentina keeper, who couldn’t react quick enough to stop the Englishman’s effort.

The West Ham fans erupted and manager David Moyes sprinted onto the pitch to celebrate with his team. 

Last night, Moyes secured his first major trophy as a manager, a well deserved feat after his commitment to West Ham through thick and thin. He was nearly sacked mid-way through this year’s Premier League season, as the Hammers looked to be facing relegation. The board of directors decided to stick with him which certainly paid off in the end.

Social media has exploded with positivity for the East London club, with pundits including Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer praising manager David Moyes and his side. Dan Walker, appears to have been a fan of Moyes since he was first appointed at Manchester United back in 2013. 

The Channel 5 News presenter told Yorkshire Voice that he hoped United would give David Moyes time to rebuild the team, and not sack him if they missed out on the Champions League spots in his first season at the club. Unfortunately, the now West Ham manager was given the boot after just one season with the Red Devils.