Congratulations to former Celtic defender David Moyes who guided his West Ham side to the Europa Conference League title. Having been won by Roma last year, the Premier League club beat Fiorentina 2-1 in Prague thanks to a late goal.
A 90th minute winner from Jarrod Bowen gave the East London club their second goal of the match and sealed the trophy’s passage to the London Stadium. Moyes adds his name to an illustrious list of Scottish managers that have lifted European trophy. It is the first time that West Ham have lifted a trophy since 1980 and seals Moyes’ place in West Ham history. Moreover, it is the first time since 1965 that they have won a European trophy.
“You don’t get many moments like this!” 🙌
David Moyes talks celebrating with his 87-year-old father after West Ham’s win in Europe! ❤️#UECLfinal pic.twitter.com/NIeJSyVF7S
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) June 7, 2023
The former Celtic defender has had an impressive career as a manager and now has silverware to show for his toils. Moyes made 24 league appearances for Celtic with a Championship medal to show for his time in Glasgow.
Moyes had been linked with the Celtic vacancy but will likely remain with the Claret and Blue outfit after this result. Given the display, that is probably for the best for Celtic given Moyes’ industrious style of play. This is very different to the playing style that fans were loving in the two years of Ange Postecoglou’s reign in Glasgow.
The Celtic team needs to be balanced that can defend in Europe. Rodgers’ results weren’t overall great in Europe but Postecoglous’ results were horrendous in Europe. You can’t attack attack attack against Real Madrid & others. You won’t ever win. You have to defend & take your occasional chances. The Australians’ SPFL system failed miserably in Europe. Thing is Rodgers & A.P. said on record they have 1 way of playing & won’t change. So what was the point of A.P. staying for another CL campaign, to finish bottom of group again.
Ange has always overlooked defence. His M.O. is win a title or 2 then fall away because of this very issue.
The old saying is absolutely right: attack wins games, defence wins titles.
We need the attacking style of play that Ange is famous for but you have to have centrehalves that stay back, win everything in the air and have pace to win battles against top European strikers. We have only had three of those type of centre backs in last 25 years. Mjalby, Denayer and the best of all Virgil.
Ange’s Brisbane team couldn’t get out of group stage in Asian Champions league but a defensive minded Australian coach Tony Poppavic did it with Western Sydney. Sure it was a series of 1 nil and odd 2 nil wins but the trophy is in the cabinet.