Thoroughly deserved. [David Moyes OBE.](https://www.claretandhugh.info/moyes-plan-for-soucek-everton-fans-surprising-reaction/) Whatever your opinion of the latter stages of his tenure – Moyes took West Ham from relegation to victory in Prague and for that he will always hold a special place in Hammers’ fans affections. Receiving his award from the Prince of Wales yesterday with great humility, Moyes was quick to acknowledge the part which his tenure at London Stadium played in his success.
_“Probably one of the reasons I’m here is because of the success we had at West Ham and winning a European trophy for West Ham.”_ Of course, over a lifetime in football, ‘Moyesie’ has now racked up 1000 matches in management – and as his Everton performance has shown, still has much to offer the game.
Quick to explain the reasons for his success, Moyes made clear references to the Hammers’ travails since his departure without any degree of rancour for his former club and suggested to Graham Potter that there is a much – needed component which has been sadly lacking after the Scot left the club:
“_We had just about got to a period of really good **stability** at West Ham, so that would be the bit._
_“The people who watch football and know will tell you, West Ham have had different difficulties throughout at different times – but I think the last three or four years were really **stable.**_
_“Regular in Europe three years in a row, finishing in a decent position in the league. I’m just more disappointed that it’s not quite looking as **stable** as what it was then.”_
Stability is the key then. According to one who knows.
How Graham Potter will relish the calm at the end of a hectic summer rebuild when he can integrate new signings and look forward to having his own settled side, mid-table stability and a platform to launch a renewed assault on the European spots again. And I’m criticised for not being sufficiently optimistic.