David Moyes has delivered a typically classy response after being awarded an OBE, choosing to credit both Celtic and West Ham for landing him the prestigious honour.
David Moyes may be back at Everton for a second spell, but the veteran manager paid tribute to West Ham and Celtic as the two clubs that played key roles in his OBE.
The Scot did a superb job at Everton over 10 years and is repeating his heroics after returning for a second spell following his departure from West Ham.
Moyes came through as a player at his boyhood club Celtic but only made 24 appearances.
David Moyes receives OBE for services to football
The 62-year-old was actually linked with the manager’s job at Celtic on several occasions during his time with West Ham.
While most Everton supporters have been delighted to have Moyes back at the helm, fans of the Hammers and Celtic haven’t always shown such gratitude.
A large section of West Ham fans felt it was time to part ways with Moyes last year.
That was despite three consecutive seasons in Europe, recording the Hammers’ record ever Premier League points tally and lifting West Ham’s only major trophy of the last 45 years.
And when Moyes has been linked with the Celtic job, it has often been met with a wave of disapproval from Bhoys fans.
But that hasn’t coloured his judgement, it seems.
Because now classy Everton boss Moyes has credited Celtic and West Ham as the reasons for his OBE.
Moyes has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to football.
He was among the list of names on the King’s New Year Honours list, published in late December, and on Wednesday he received his award at a ceremony conducted by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle.
The honour recognises the huge contribution Moyes has made to the beautiful game, first during a 19-year playing career that started with Scottish giants Celtic up to managing the likes of Man United and West Ham before a return to Everton this year.
Classy Everton boss Moyes credits Celtic and West Ham for OBE
It is Celtic and West Ham that Moyes has credited as the main reason he received the lofty honour.
“I’m very humbled by the whole occasion in being nominated for an award,” Moyes told Sky Sports News.
“It was incredibly interesting seeing the amount of people who were here for real things in life – people who are helping cure cancer, people who work in education – so I have to say it was humbling seeing all those people…
“When I think back to school teachers in Glasgow and people who believed in me then.
“I was fortunate at Celtic to work for a brilliant club who encouraged young players. So the early part of your journey I think you need that (if you are going to be awarded an honour like this).
Moyes: Celtic and West Ham the reasons I’m here
“But I think as you get older and you move on a bit I’ve had a great chance to work with some great owners of football clubs who, when it’s not been going well, have given me time and helped me when I was a young coach… So I’m really lucky with the people and clubs I’ve worked with…
“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.”
Having failed to recognise their former manager’s OBE in December, West Ham did right by Moyes with an announcement on the day he received the honour.
It’s not the first time Moyes has credited West Ham for their part in his OBE.
Speaking after the award was first announced, Moyes spent most of his time dedicating the honour to his time with the Hammers.
“I’m so loyal to them, from the Czech boys to Jarrod Bowen. So many of them I brought in and I’ve got a great relationship with.
“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.
“Great thanks to all the people at West Ham who helped me get an OBE.
“The players were magnificent and obviously the trophy was special.”
Pure class and fully deserved.
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