As he prepares to take his team into the anticipated Olympiacos cauldron, David Moyes took time to pay homage to Bill Kenwright.
"It’s incredibly sad news about Bill Kenwright. He was a wonderful man.
He gave me a big opportunity in my career. He took me when I was a young manager in a lower league and gave me a job in the Premier League. He was brilliantly supportive. I couldn’t have had a better Chairman as a young coach.
When I look at modern football nowadays and how difficult it is for many young managers to make their way, Bill Kenwright was great to work with. We had great times over eleven years with him and we had some successful moments.
He’ll be sadly missed and his whole family know how I feel. I’m really disappointed that Bill has left us".
Ironically Hammers play Everton this Sunday in London in what will be an emotionally charged game, fans will be asked to 'respect' Kenwright with 2 minutes applause to celebrate the 77 year old's achievements in the game and in the entertainment industry where he was well respected.
Some Everton fans will have feelings of deep regret as to the way they treated Kenwright in the latter years of his tenure at the club he dearly loved. He was just unable to bring his dreams to fruition during his lifetime. That said it is to be hoped that Hammers show respect but then take to the field wanting to 'show' that Kenwright's decision to give David Moyes his big break in top flight management was the correct one and that they achieve the result that the home fans want, but with a nod to Bill's past.
It will be a difficult game because ALL the Everton players will want to show their respect with a dominant performance! Of course ahead of Sunday's fixture their is the Europa League game in Greece to deal with, a positive result in Athens tonight would mean Moyes and his staff will be able to concentrate on righting the club's faltering domestic campaign ahead of the next International useless break! - Ed
NB: Apparently things were relatively quiet in Athens last night ahead of the game, but the bulk of Hammers fans travelling to the capital will be arriving this afternoon, hopefully on their best behaviour!
