West Ham’s David Moyes dedicates his exuberant Europa Conference League goal celebration to his wife

David Moyes’ spontaneous celebration after Declan Rice’s wonder-goal against Gent was dedicated to his wife, Pamela, who has been living with a ‘miserable’ husband for most of this season.

Moyes danced down the touchline with pumped fists as they qualifed for the Europa Conference League’s semi-finals on Thursday as a mixture of relief and ecstacy took over. 

‘I hope I’ve got more of them celebrations to come,’ Moyes said ahead of facing Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium in another Premier League relegation scrap tomorrow.

‘Sometimes you must not forget how much our families all care. They are engrossed in it. They don’t want a miserable husband or dad coming home, and they’ve seen a miserable husband or dad quite regularly, to be honest.’ 

David Moyes struck an excited figure on the touchline during West Ham’s victory over Gent

Declan Rice’s showstopping goal handed the home side their third and all but sealed the win

Thursday’s 4-1 win over Gent – 5-2 on aggregate – saw supporters shouting ‘ole’ as West Ham pinged passes around. Yet Moyes was not entirely pleased with his team’s showboating, preferring them instead to be ruthless.

‘We abused opportunities to score more,’ he said. ‘You never get above your station. I don’t want us to be an “Ole” team. I want us to cut them up and finish the job off. I was disappointed we didn’t do that.’ 

Moyes also dedicated his celebration against Gent to the West Ham board, who ‘have been strong when they have had to be’.

There have been rumours of Moyes being replaced in the summer but the Scot insisted yesterday he trusts his bosses, adding: ‘I’m planning for next season. No intention [of leaving]. I’m getting on with my job.’

Fans watching the match praised Rice – who may leave the club this summer – as the ‘best central midfielder in England’