TAKE A BOW BOSS!
Moyes is never going to be forgotten here says Jarrod
AS a ringing endorsement of David Moyes’ reign, the tribute from Jarrod Bowen was as authentic as the Bow Bells’ Cockney chimes themselves.
Sluggish at first, West Ham turned Moyes’ passing-out parade into a party and left Luton’s tired Premier League fairy tale on life support.
The departing Hammers manager took over perennial relegation candidates but, after three long runs in Europe and the club’s first trophy in 43 years, his work is done.
Bowen, whose last-gasp goal in the Europa Conference League final 11 months ago will remain Moyes’ East End epitaph, said: “I don’t think he’ll ever be forgotten here.”
Nobody has prospered more under the head coach than Bowen, who is clearly grateful.
“Scoring 20 goals this season, being player of the season, England caps, winning a trophy…none of it would have been possible if the gaffer hadn’t brought me here,” he said.
“He showed faith to bring me here from Hull
– signing players from the Championship always seems frowned upon for some reason – and over the last four years we’ve had some great days and made some great memories.
“What he’s done for this club speaks for itself. We’ve gone from avoiding relegation to winning a trophy in Europe and everyone is happy we gave him the send-off he deserved.
“I also know, from conversations with him, he takes enormous pride in his players who represent their country.
“He was so proud when Leon Osman won an England cap when he was at Everton, and he said the same to me when I won my first cap – he was so chuffed for me.”
Bowen, who should make England’s 26-man squad for Euro 2024, admits it will be hard to move on from Moyes.
Former Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui, above, is waiting in the wings and Bowen said: “As tough as it sounds, you have to move on.
“When we came back last summer we had to forget about winning a trophy because we had to get on with a new season.
“The same applies to managers.
When a new one comes through the door you have to listen to what they want, respect their philosophy and everyone jumps on board.
“It will probably be a bit weird coming in for pre-season and the gaffer’s not here – and I’ve only just got used to his accent!”
West Ham players are planning a night out with Moyes after their final game at Manchester City on Sunday.
But Bowen has already shared a private chat with him to acknowledge the Scot’s influence on his career.
“He’s one of the best people I’ve worked with. I had a chat with him in the week just to say thank you,” the forward added.
“I wouldn’t be here without him. I wanted to do that to show how appreciative I am, and will be going on through my career.
“I can’t just do it this season, I have to do it next season and the one after that.”
After a poor first half, when they trailed to Sambi Lokonga’s early header and were booed off, the Hammers unfurled the bunting and goals from James Ward-Prowse,Tomas Soucek and 19-year-old George Earthy brightened the mood.
Luton, by contrast, are all but down. And their body language at the final whistle had an air of resignation as they stood in front of their 2,900 travelling fans looking desolate.