David Moyes has offered a sincere apology to West Ham fans for what happened after the clash at Manchester City.
For the 261st and final time, David Moyes took charge of West Ham at Man City on Sunday afternoon.
The Scot is leaving the club after four-and-a-half memorable years, the highlight of which was last season’s unforgettable Europa Conference League triumph.
After a great first half of the season, West Ham have struggled in 2024.
And that has resulted in the Hammers hierarchy deciding now is the time to part ways with Moyes.
He will be replaced by Julen Lopetegui with an announcement due in the coming day or so.
Moyes had his big West Ham “leaving do” last weekend when the Hammers came from behind to beat Luton 3-1.
Over 50,000 fans stayed in the London Stadium after the game to bid the manager farewell and show their appreciation.
We had super David Moyes
Moyes will always be held in high regard by West Ham fans for the job he has done in two different spells.
Even by the many who grew tied of his approach and risk averse tactics.
West Ham have suffered a number of hammerings this season, the latest being 5-0 at Chelsea and 5-2 at Palace.
They could have been beaten out of sight at Man City too after the hosts made it 1-0 within 70 seconds and set themselves on course for a fourth consecutive Premier League title.
The fact this was Moyes’ last ever West Ham match was – understandably – completely overshadowed by the focus on the title and Jurgen Klopp’s big goodbye at Liverpool.
West Ham fans were once again out on force, packing out the away end as always despite there being nothing but pride to play for.
Many would have travelled to show their appreciation to the manager one last time.
There would be no goodbye from Moyes to the away end or vice versa, though.
And Moyes has apologised to West Ham fans for what happened after the City clash.
Moyes apologises to fans for what happened after City clash
Moyes has said he had planned to go over and salute the ‘fabulous’ away support one last time.
But the pitch invasion from Man City fans completely wrecked that plan, meaning he and his players had to quickly retreat into the tunnel and changing rooms.
“What I want to do is apologise to the supporters because we couldn’t get back on the pitch,” Moyes told the club’s official website.
“The support was great today and we couldn’t go on because of the crowd coming on, but I’d love to have gone over and said my goodbyes.
“I said to the players, I really wish that it could have been last week at Luton that we finished it as it would have been at home and all in a good manner and the support was great, but I just want to pass on my apologies for us not getting on to thank them for their support.”
It is a shame it had to end in that way.
Ends in a damp squib but we’ll always have Prague
Especially as Man City fans were told not to invade the pitch.
By the time that situation was sorted out, the away end had long since emptied when it became clear Moyes and his players and staff would not be able to come back out and say goodbye.
So that was that, the end of the Moyes tenure at West Ham.
It all felt like a bit of a damp squib – a bit like 2024 as a whole for the club.
But with the consolation that he did at least have his moment with the fans at last week’s game.
And we’ll always have Lyon. And Alkmaar. And Prague.
Farewell David Moyes and thank you.