Moyes was a Shrew-d acquisition

IMPRESSED: Moyes’ former team-mate Mickey Thomas DAVID MOYES returns to Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup today – the place where he graduated from the school of hard knocks. West Ham boss Moyes, then a tough-as-old-boots centre-half, made 96 appearances for the Shropshire outfit in the old Second Division. And former team-mate Mickey Thomas recalls how Moyes literally spilled blood for the Shrews’ cause back in the late 80s (right). He said: “David was a very strong, disciplined centre-half. No nonsense.

“In one game I remember him getting smashed in the nose with blood spattered everywhere – and he just wiped it off and carried on. I’ve seen players call for the stretcher for less.

“That character I saw at Shrewsbury has stood him in good stead because he’s been battered in recent years.

“You have to give him credit for sticking in there – and credit to West Ham for giving him an opportunity. Shrewsbury are a great club. They will give him a great reception today.

“Any player who spilled blood for the club and carried on will be remembered fondly.”

During Moyes’ time as Everton boss, he was dumped out of the FA Cup by the Shrews in the third round in 2003.

But tougher times were to follow for him – sacked by Man United after 10 months and at Real Sociedad after just under a year.

He then replaced Sam Allardyce at Sunderland where he suffered relegation last year and resigned, only to be thrown a lifeline by the Hammers.

Thomas added: “I saw something in him as a potential boss.

“He was vocal in the dressing room, a character and a leader.

“He can do the job and I’ve seen in David’s manner and conduct since he’s been at West Ham that he’s learned from what has happened to him.”