West Ham captain Declan Rice has set an example for David Moyes on how to handle the club’s fans, hailing them as the best in the world, reports the HammerNews.
The Hammers secured a crucial victory against Fulham on Saturday to enhance their chances of remaining in the Premier League. However, there appears to be some mending to be done to restore the relationship between the fans and manager Moyes. During the match, West Ham supporters displayed a banner about Moyes, and some fans chanted “You don’t know what you’re doing” at him. Moyes responded by refusing to acknowledge the away fans as he left the field, instead choosing to confront them defiantly.
Following thousands of West Ham fans leaving early during their 5-1 defeat to Newcastle, Moyes suggested that the team needs “true supporters” to back them during difficult times. However, his comments only added fuel to the fire and failed to acknowledge the fact that West Ham has one of the biggest and most fiercely loyal followings in the Premier League, both home and away.
Last month, Hammers News suggested that Declan Rice should show his teammates a passionate rant from former West Ham star Craig Bellamy about the club’s fans, who he described as the best and most knowledgeable he ever played for. Now, as the captain of the team, Rice has shown Moyes how to deal with West Ham fans by declaring them as the best in the world. In an interview on the club’s website, Rice acknowledged the high demands of playing for West Ham fans but also highlighted their greatness.
Rice said: “100 per cent (the fans deserve that win). They’re the best, I’ve always said it. Obviously when things get tough they voice their opinions and you have to take it on the chin.
“But, on the other hand, for me, when they’re at it, they’re the best in the world.
“I love playing in front of them, when they cheer your name, cheer the team… me and the lads have said in there to bounce back like that – especially for them as well, because there’s been a lot of negativity around us this season – so to do that today was so, so good.”