Riot police keep a close eye on West Ham fans ahead of the Europa Conference League final

West Ham fans were drinking Prague dry, singing and dancing, but butterflies were also setting in in the final hours before the kick off to the Premier League Club’s biggest European match in nearly half a century.

After days of rain, the sun came out and lifted the spirits of thousands of West Ham fans in Prague’s Old Town Square as thousands of pints were downed and bars were packed to the hilt.

Sam Nicola, 32, a London black cab driver who was wearing a claret and blue curly wig, said: ‘I woke up this morning and my whole body went into this state of anxiety.

‘I couldn’t talk and I keep thinking about what might happen. It is far worse than normal butterflies, believe me.

‘We just have to win, and I promised all my mates that I will wear this wig in my cab for a week if we do.’

Czech authorities have ramped up security ahead of the Europa Conference League final

West Ham fan Sam Nicola (L) was among those soaking up the pre-match atmosphere

‘Knollsy’ (left), dubbed the Angel of Alkmaar after fighting off ultras in the semi-final, was mobbed by well-wishers

Fans have taken over Old Town Square with Czech authorities keeping a watchful eye 

His brother Jay, 35, who also wore a similar wig and drives a black cab, added: ‘ we have waited so long for this. But there was a lot of nerves.

‘But I believe we can do it. We will bring that trophy home. We will win 2-1.’

London dentist Aditi Tanna, 28, who wore a West Ham hat and shirt said: ‘It is so amazing being here with all these great West Ham fans. We have made many new friends.

‘My boyfriend Ajay and I came into Prague on a train from Vienna this morning and for four more Euros we were put into first class and given a class of Prosecco so that was a great way to start the day.

‘I feel it is getting better and better all the way to winning the cup tonight.

‘We don’t have tickets, but it is much more fun being here than watching it on TV from the sofa. ‘

Keilan Schemeri, 31, from Gibraltar whose father Joe is from London and a Hammer’s fan said: ‘It will be 3-1 to West Ham. We are going all the way.’

Former West Ham striker, Tony Cottee join supporters in the old town Square as a sign his name.

Actor and comedian James Corden, a lifelong West Ham fan, also flew into the Czech Republic and posed happily with supporters for photographs.

London dentist Aditi Tanna (pictured) doesn’t have tickets for the match but is enjoying her stay in Prague

Riot police had a strong presence in the hours leading up to the evening kick-off

Folk hero Knollsy, who was dubbed the ‘Angel of Alkmaar’ after fighting off thugs out to attack West Ham fans last month, was mobbed by well-wishers as he walked through the square wearing a black West Ham shirt.

Riot police were on standby in the remaining hours before kick-off but there was little hint of any trouble or the sight of Fiorentina fans.

One fan was detained by police for letting off an orange flair in the square, but later released after a ticking-off.

More than 10,000 West Ham fans were gathering in the fan zone to watch the match on a giant screen.

Supporters of their Italian rival without tickets were led to a separate fan zone to watch the final.