West Ham fans have taken over the city of Prague ahead of Wednesday night's Europa Conference League final.
The Hammers will take on Fiorentina at the Fortuna Arena looking to win their first major European trophy since 1965. The Premier League side will receive vocal backing from their supporters, with thousands travelling to the Czech Republic, despite limited tickets.
West Ham fans took over Prague's Old Town Square on Wednesday, with large flags, pyro and chanting as they celebrated their team's achievements. Members of all parts of the West Ham supporters base were in the city, with children climbing on the shoulders of parents.
Fiorentina fans were also present in the square as the two sets of fans traded chants. The groups were met by a massive police presence, including dogs and armed officers, with many also in full riot gear.
The atmosphere appeared to remain jovial throughout, with little reports of trouble between the fans. Hammers boss David Moyes is also keen to enjoy the event, with the Scot desperate to bring silverware back to the London Stadium.
"This is the biggest moment of my career. This is something slightly different and something more special than we’ve had for a long time. I don’t really have anything specific lined up for the players," he said.
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"But I’m hoping on the night I can give them the motivation, the inspiration, commitment, attitude, all the things players need to be successful. Ultimately you need to find a way to get a win, this job in football is to find a way of winning and that will be the key message in the end.
"We're unbeaten in Europe this season and we got to the semi-final last season so our record in European football over the last two years has been so good. Hopefully we can continue that on Wednesday."
West Ham legend and current sporting director Mark Noble is also relishing the day. The former Hammers captain insisted that even if they were not in the ground, Moyes' men would still feel their fans' support.
"There will be just under 6,000 of the Claret and Blue army inside the Eden Aréna - a stadium we could have easily filled four or five times over - but every single Hammers fan around the world will be there in spirit," he wrote in an open letter.
"A few people have asked me if I feel a little twinge of bitterness or frustration that West Ham have reached a major European final the season after I retired. The answer, though, is absolutely not.
"Throughout my playing career - and particularly once I was appointed captain - all I ever wanted was for us to be successful, and for people around the club to have smiles on their faces. That has always come before any personal ambition.
"So to see the boys reach this occasion makes me so, so happy. Because I know how much it means to them, and I know how much it means to all of you. Finals, generally, are only enjoyable and memorable if you are on the winning side.
And make no mistake - we are not in Prague just for the fun of it. We are going there to win. Whatever tomorrow night means to you personally, and wherever in the world you are watching it from, we all have one thing in common: We are West Ham.
"To everyone travelling out to Prague, have fun, look after each other and stay safe. Enjoy yourselves, but also make sure we respect our Czech hosts. We’ve all waited so long for this moment. Let’s savour every minute."
