West Ham’s major trophy drought enough incentive for the players to get past Gent, says David Moyes
West Ham’s big trophy drought enough incentive for players to get past Ghent, David Moyes says as Hammers bid for second successive European semi-final appearance
- The side of David Moyes offers a path along the Belgian side Ghent this week
- The West Ham boss says the club’s big trophy is motivating dryness enough
- Declan Rice could become only the club’s third captain to lift a trophy
West Ham have great incentive to win this year’s Europa Conference League due to the club’s major drought, manager David Moyes said.
Moyes’ side will face Gent at the London Stadium on Thursday evening in an attempt to reach the semi-finals of the competition, a year after reaching the same stage of the Europa League, losing out to eventual winners Eintracht Frankfurt.
Speaking in the wake of his relegation-threatened side’s encouraging 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Arsenal, Moyes said the club’s 43-year long drought was enough motivation for the players to fight their way past Gent. navigate.
If West Ham went all out, Declan Rice would become only the club’s third captain to lift a trophy, and he would be in illustrious company.
“Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds are two of the best players and names that many people will remember no matter what team you support,” said manager Moyes.
David Moyes has said the club’s drought is an incentive for West Ham to get past Gent
Declan Rice (R) could become only the third captain to lift a trophy for West Ham – he joins illustrious company
Billy Bonds (L) was the last man to lift a major trophy for West Ham – the 1980 FA Cup
“I think that’s a big thing, not just for anyone’s captain, and that’s Dec right now. But I think that’s a big boost for the club. It feels so long since the club has been close to a trophy.’
“I thought the players performed incredibly well on Sunday and we got a well deserved point against Arsenal,” added Moyes.
“I think the performance gave everyone a lift. I hope it gives us a boost to go into the game on Thursday. If we can perform at that level, we give ourselves a great chance to qualify for the semi-finals.’
Meanwhile, West Ham midfielder and childhood Hammers fan Flynn Downes revealed he is already getting requests for tickets to the Europa Conference League final.
The quarter-final tie with Gent is well balanced at 1-1 heading into the second leg, although confidence is growing in East London, a special European night is on the cards.
The Hammers are favorites to progress and if they do they will take their chance against Anderlecht or AZ Alkmaar in the semi-finals.
The final, should West Ham make it, will take place in Prague on June 7.
But Downes, who joined the club from Swansea last summer, is not getting ahead of things.
“We’re home (Thursday), so the advantage is with us,” said the 24-year-old.
“But last night’s game didn’t go so well. We didn’t play our best, but we have the chance to make it right.
Flynn Downes revealed that he is already receiving applications for tickets to the Europa Conference League final
“I’ve already talked to two people about tickets for the final when we get there. But we first have to earn that place in the final, starting (Thursday).’
Downes knows better than anyone how important it is for West Ham to potentially win their first trophy in 43 years.
‘I wouldn’t say I’m getting any more nervous. Of course that does play a role, because of course I want West Ham to win,” he added. “But I wouldn’t say it adds any more pressure.
“But I do know how big this is for the club. All the guys know that and the manager said it too. Hopefully we will play a lot better than last week and we can make progress.’
