David Moyes reckons 2023 has been his best year as a manager.
Whatever one may have felt the style of play – and we readily admit we have been very critical at times – it’s difficult to argue that his second spell at the club hasn’t been a success.
And as we turn into 2024 and the transfer window Moyes has reflected on a season where however, one looks at it we are enjoying big success.
Moyes obviously couldn’t be more pleased admitting that West Ham means a lot to him and that the club has truly grown on him.
He is keen to add that was the same during his first spell but with good reason he is enjoying this spell even more.
With the Conference trophy in the cabinet and a place in the last 16 of the Europa Cup plus sixth place in the League nobody can deny him his achievements.
And speaking to www.whufc.com he declared: “I look back at things at times. I think, because of winning the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy, I would have to say that, yes, it has been [my best year as a manager].
“It was difficult for the first part of last season but, once we got back around after the World Cup, I think we really improved in the second half of last season. We’ve just had our best start to a Premier League season at West Ham and I’d have to say, because of winning the trophy, the second half of last season was probably our best finish.
“The last few weeks have been tough. I think it’s only Liverpool and Manchester City who have played more games than us in the last couple of years. But we’ve shown some resilience and picked up good results. In the main, the boys here have done a great job and 2023 has been a great year for us.”

A new year brings new obstacles and new ambitions, and West Ham will kick off 2024 with a home test against a Brighton & Hove Albion side who, like the Irons, have secured passage to the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League after finishing top of their group.
Moyes added: “Brighton have been our bogey team over many seasons here at West Ham,”
We broke the hoodoo earlier this season down at their place. I have to say though, Robert De Zerbi has brought something different to the Premier League. I think there are so many good young coaches out there and De Zerbi is one of them.
“They’ve got an exciting team and lots of young players. They’re a good model of a football club and you can only admire them. They also won their group in Europe and they’re also in the last 16. They’re up there in the Premier League too, so it will be a tough game for us.”

But he has no doubt that we are emerging as a real force adding: “Everything at the Club has grown. We’ve grown. We’re trying to challenge right at the top. We’re never going to say we’re not going for it, in terms of Europe. I’m trying to continue growth at this Club.
“The job as a manager is always to raise expectations but there’s part of it that you must look at the teams you’re playing against. You need to overcome some really good opposition to compete, and the competition is really tough.
“We have to keep progressing and moving forward. If we can finish in Europe again, then it would be an incredible achievement.
“This place means a lot to me. West Ham has really grown on me and, to be fair, the Club grew on me when I was here in my first spell too. This second time, I’m enjoying it even more.”