David Moyes hails really special time at West Ham United

David Moyes has labelled his West Ham tenure as “really special” following their Europa Conference League success and unbeaten start to the new Premier League season.

The Hammers find themselves second in the table behind treble-winning Manchester City after a dominant 3-1 win at Brighton last weekend.

And Moyes hailed the club’s achievements since his return in 2019 having won the Conference League as well as reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League in 2022.

“I think my time at West Ham has been really special,” said Moyes.

“When I came I wanted to try and grow the club and make it better, I think most of those things have been the case.

“We’ve got European football, we’ve finished sixth and seventh after being a team who was on the verge of relegation, we’ve now won a European trophy and we’ve started this season in a good moment.”

West Ham visit newly-promoted Luton on Friday, with the Hatters still searching for their first points of the campaign after a 4-1 defeat to Brighton and 3-0 loss to Chelsea.

Moyes credited Luton boss Rob Edwards and admitted the atmosphere at Kenilworth Road will play a part when the two meet.

“They had two ridiculously difficult games against Brighton and Chelsea and I think his (Rob Edwards) team has done well in both games,” Moyes added.

“He was harshly treated at Watford and it’s great that he’s been able to recover (from being sacked) because for some managers it’s not easy to get back on the horse again. But he certainly has and has proved any doubters wrong, so I admire him for that.

“It’s been a brilliant achievement from Luton to get themselves back in the Premier League. They’ve done great work, it was incredible.

“We’ll have to bear it in mind (the Kenilworth Road atmosphere). Everyone is well aware of the incredibly small dressing rooms, the tight tunnels and the crowd, but there’s part of that which is part of the game in this country and I think the players like how close to the pitch the fans are and it gives the players that compact feeling on the pitch.

“Kenilworth Road might be the worst stadium that teams will have to go to, but they will use that to their advantage as best they can.”

Moyes talked up summer signing James Ward-Prowse, who has hit the ground running with a goal and two assists since his move from Southampton earlier this month.

“Overall, James (Ward-Prowse) has played two really good games and we hope that leads to lots of goals and performances and more of the same, so we are really pleased with him,” Moyes said.

“One of the reasons we did bring him in was because of his Premier League experience. He’s been captain for a long time and been loyal over the years, he’s settled in well and goes about his business the same way you would see his personality.

“He’s created goals, scored goals, so we have to say we’re really pleased with the start he’s made.”

*copy from Press Association.