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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Kieran King

West Ham fans pack streets for open-top bus parade after Europa Conference League triumph

West Ham fans brought East London to a standstill on Thursday as they watched their team's open-top bus parade in celebration of their Europa Conference League triumph.

The Hammers secured a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in Prague on Wednesday to secure their first major trophy since 1980. Jarrod Bowen's 91st minute strike earned the victory for David Moyes' side on a memorable night in Czech Republic, with Said Benrahma scoring West Ham's other goal.

It sparked emotional scenes after the game at the Eden Arena as the players celebrated with their families and the 6,000+ supporters inside the stadium. Declan Rice was pictured crying following the trophy lift, while Moyes brought his 87-year-old father down from the stands and onto the playing surface.

The party continued long into the evening in the Czech capital as the West Ham squad were pictured out in the early hours of Thursday morning. Benrahma was spotted taking selfies with some eagle-eyed fans at 5am, while Rice and Moyes danced away as they celebrated long after their famous success.

However, the West Ham players and staff had to board home a two-hour flight from Prague on Thursday afternoon to get back for their Victory Parade in East London. Thousands of Hammers flooded the streets as they welcomed home the heroes that ended their 43-year trophy doubt.

The Hammers squad started the parade at the junction of Green Street and Barking Road, adjacent to the Boleyn Pub and The Champions Statue. The bus then proceeded west along Barking Road, turned right onto Greengate Street, and continued slowly along the A112 past Plaistow Park, Plaistow Station and Stratford Park.

West Ham players celebrate their Conference League success (Getty Images)

West Ham fans were in delightful mood in the glorious sunshine and could not wait to greet the stars, who will have their name firmly etched in the history books. None much so than match-winner Bowen and captain Rice, who were both pivotal on the Hammers' run to the final.

Rice was awarded with the Player of the Season prize for his efforts, while five other West Ham players made the Team of the Season. Alphonse Areola, Nayef Aguerd, Lucas Paqueta, Michail Antonio and Bowen joined Rice in the side, with Nico Gonzalez, Andy Diouf, Dan Ndoye, Nikola Milenkovic, Cristiano Biraghi making up the XI.

Fans gather beside the West Ham open-up bus (Getty Images)

That would have been the icing on the cake for the West Ham players who made the team as all six featured on the bus tour along with the remainder of the squad. After making its way to Stratford Park, the bus ended its journey on West Ham Lane, outside the Old Town Hall in Stratford - at the heart of their new home borough of Newham.

Also on the open-top bus was Bobby Moore's daughter Roberta. Late England World-Cup winning captain Moore made over 600 appearances for the Hammers and is recognised as a club legend for what he achieved, including being the last and only West Ham captain to lift a European trophy prior to Rice.

Declan Rice with the Conference League trophy (Getty Images)

Speaking at the open-top bus parade, West Ham boss Moyes said: "Incredible. We had incredible support in Prague and here in East London is sensational. We had a brilliant night. What a finish by Jarrod Bowen and it was a great moment for us all. We will enjoy what we have done just now - 14 wins and one draw in the Europa Conference League. Last year we got to a semi final but this year we have won the final!"

West Ham boss David Moyes holds the trophy with captain Declan Rice (Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United/REX/Shutterstock)

Declan Rice added: "Incredible. We had incredible support in Prague and here in East London is sensational. We had a brilliant night. What a finish by Jarrod Bowen and it was a great moment for us all. We will enjoy what we have done just now - 14 wins and one draw in the Europa Conference League. Last year we got to a semi final but this year we have won the final!"

West Ham enjoy their Victory Parade (Getty Images)

Speaking after his side's famous win, chairman David Sullivan said: "I could not be more proud of this magnificent football club. Proud of how far we have come over the last decade. Proud of the manager, the backroom team, and all the staff, who have done a fantastic job. And proud of all the players, from our amazing home-grown talent, to our brilliant international stars, who have given us a night and a triumph that will live forever.

"But most of all, I want to pay tribute to the Hammers fans, the Claret and Blue Army, who have once again shown they are the best in the world. They have been incredible this season. Packing out the London Stadium match after match, creating an atmosphere home and away that is second to none, and showing teams all over Europe how massive this Club is.

West Ham parade winning the Conference League (Getty Images)

"When we moved to the new ground, we dreamed of moments like this. Our task now is to build on this triumph, and the double-winning feats of our Under-18 Academy team, ensuring that every time our men and women start a new season in West Ham United colours, they are competing for more success.

"But for now, it is time to celebrate. It will be fantastic to see Hammers fans from across London fill the streets to welcome our heroes back from Prague, and all our supporters over land and sea join the party on our Club channels. This trophy belongs to you, and it will be fantastic to all share in the moment."

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