Europa Conference League build-up & transfer news

SMS Message: I think I speak for most English football fans but especially the Man City fans would love West Ham to win this, they truly deserve it. They probably need this to put them in good stead for a better Premier League season from Josh

I think I speak for most English football fans but especially the Man City fans would love West Ham to win this, they truly deserve it. They probably need this to put them in good stead for a better Premier League season

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West Ham centre-back Kurt Zouma has a message for all you Hammers out there.

Speaking on the club's Twitter page, he said: "I hope you guys are pleased to be in Prague and hopefully we can bring you happiness by seeing us win a trophy.

"It's going to be tough, so we need your support so that we can win it and celebrate it all together.

"Come on boys!"

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Former professional boxer and West Ham fan Frank Bruno has shared his message of support ahead of this evening and has also encouraged everyone in the UK to get behind them.

He tweeted: "Today's the day. West Ham in a cup final. Been waiting to say that for years!

"Even if you support another team please for one match get behind the Hammers, they are our British team representing the UK, let's spirit them to a win.

"All together now - 'I'm forever blowing bubbles...'"

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It was good to see David Moyes come up with a quip when asked if he thought his 87-year-old dad would have any pre-match words of wisdom for him ahead of the Europa Conference League final with Fiorentina.

"He will be in the pub," laughed the Scot.

It was only a moment but it suggested Moyes - a serious man doing a serious job - is in a positive mood before what has to be viewed as the biggest night of his career.

After 25 years and well over 1,000 games, Moyes' career will be regarded as a success whether West Ham beat Fiorentina or not.

But getting that elusive piece of silverware would be tangible proof of a job well done - more than his three manager of the year awards from his time at Everton.

It would finally banish the 'but' that comes with any assessment of his career after those ill-fated nine months at Manchester United, which is almost a decade ago now.

For a time after that, it seemed Moyes' career was on a downward spiral. Getting sacked by West Ham after keeping the club in the Premier League in 2018 was an absolute kick in the teeth.

Brave enough to accept a brave offer to go back to London Stadium by Hammers owner David Sullivan, Moyes had two and a half years of success, followed by this season’s tepid Premier League effort, which led to calls from fans at away games – usually regarded as the most loyal – for the 60-year-old to be sacked.

It didn’t happen. Moyes kept his job and guided West Ham to safety, while at the same time keeping European fires burning when many felt it better to sacrifice the campaign to enhance chances of survival.

Now Moyes has the chance to get his reward. Few would argue this thoroughly decent football manager wouldn’t deserve it.

SMS Message: I think it would be wonderfully poetic if Rice, Soucek and Coufal could all score tonight and finally get us some silverware we desperately crave. West Ham to win 3-1, but Fiorentina to score first from Charles

I think it would be wonderfully poetic if Rice, Soucek and Coufal could all score tonight and finally get us some silverware we desperately crave. West Ham to win 3-1, but Fiorentina to score first

Fifa made false statements about the reduced environmental impact of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a Swiss regulator has said.

The Swiss Fairness Commission, the self-regulatory body of the advertising and communications industry, investigated five claims that Fifa marketed the tournament as being carbon neutral.

"The Second Chamber of the Commission has now upheld all five complaints following a complex process," it said.

BBC Sport first revealed news of the complaints by campaigners that have led to this ruling in November.

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Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani made a fifth bid to buy Manchester United earlier this week, according to a source close to the Qatari banker.

This will be Sheikh Jassim's final bid, and after Friday he will no longer engage with the process.

The bid is for 100% of the club, will clear United's debt and has a separate fund for the club and local community.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos Group are the other main party trying to buy the Premier League club.

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A couple of football news stories now away from tonight's final...

SMS Message: 4-0 West Ham, a couple of goals early on, one before half time, one in the 2nd half. Too much quality in the West Ham team from Andy

4-0 West Ham, a couple of goals early on, one before half time, one in the 2nd half. Too much quality in the West Ham team

EPACopyright: EPA

Former West Ham striker Tony Cottee says supporters of the Irons "deserve" to see their team lift a European trophy on Thursday.

It has been 43 years since West Ham won silverware - the 1980 FA Cup final - and Cottee told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast it was about time they ended that winless streak.

"This a reward for the fans' unwavering support," said Cottee. "They deserve to win a tournament.

"Getting to a European final is a success for players and fans. They travel everywhere home and away and often do not get to see what they want, but they still attend the next week.

"When you think about all the problems they had when leaving the Boleyn Ground, if you had said to the supporters then to be patient and just wait a few years, then they would have said: 'Wow!'

"West Ham fans are very loyal and are desperate for some success. They are a great credit to English football."

Pushed on how the game will pan out, Cottee said: "They will put us through it, because it is West Ham.

"I think we'll win 2-1 - but it'll be nervy."

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Former West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has praised "a special club" as his old team prepare for their first European final in 47 years.

David Moyes' side are in Prague for the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina and Reo-Coker told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast how community-orientated the Irons are.

"It is more than just a football club," he said. "It is a family and that's what makes it so special and unique.

"The players understand what it means to represent that club and to wear that shirt.

"The fans are not shy and are vocal about their feelings. Sometimes it can be a soap opera, but it truly is a special club."

Reo-Coker reserved special acclaim for Moyes, who has endured a tricky Premier League campaign but found success in Europe.

"Credit to West Ham for sticking with him. We saw so many other clubs making rash decisions and look what has happened to them," he added.

"I am so glad and happy Moyes weathered the storm - and he is getting the just rewards. When you look at what he has achieved and his style of management, you have to be grateful."

Listen to a West Ham special on BBC Sounds

SMS Message: Purely from a style of football point of view, Fiorentina are on a whole other level to West Ham! Play terrific football, better manager, and better players! I'm sure West Ham will give their all but Fiorentina will be too strong for them! All the best to both teams! from Rosario

Purely from a style of football point of view, Fiorentina are on a whole other level to West Ham! Play terrific football, better manager, and better players! I'm sure West Ham will give their all but Fiorentina will be too strong for them! All the best to both teams!

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West Ham sporting director and former captain Mark Noble has issued a rallying cry before Wednesday's Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina.

And does he feel bitter that the club’s first major final for 17 years comes 12 months after he has retired? Not a bit of it.

"To see the boys reach this occasion makes me so, so happy," he wrote on the Hammers website. “I know how much it means to them, and I know how much it means to all of us.

"It’s not just about winning a football match. It will mean many different things to all of us. For many, it will be the first experience of a European final. For some of our older fans, it will bring back memories of the glory of 1965 with Bobby Moore and co.

"And, for a lot of people, it will be a chance to remember those who are no longer with us... but would be so hugely proud that we are here."

"[The final] is our opportunity to show the world what a unique and special club this is. Whatever happens on the pitch, let’s make sure we come back to London with pride. Pride in our performance, pride in our support, and pride in how we have all represented our club.

"We’ve all waited so long for this moment. Let’s savour every minute."

SMS Message: Rangers fan here. I was hoping the Hammers would have made the Europa final last year, as my late cousin was a big Hammers man and it would have been poignant to see our teams meet. I was in the (Prague) stadium a couple of months ago so it's a sign. Mon the irons from Anon

Rangers fan here. I was hoping the Hammers would have made the Europa final last year, as my late cousin was a big Hammers man and it would have been poignant to see our teams meet. I was in the (Prague) stadium a couple of months ago so it's a sign. Mon the irons

Lots of Fiorentina fans are also making their way to the Old Town square.

One fan below is donning the shirt of former Argentina and Fiorentina striker, Gabriel Batistuta.

The number nine scored 168 goals for the Italian club from 1991-2000.

BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport

BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport

SMS Message: I do hope West Ham win tonight, but I think no matter which team wins it tonight, the Conference League is a great platform for clubs from across Europe to play and compete for important prize money. Competitions like this help “smaller” clubs or struggling clubs to compete with the top clubs more! It also gives opportunities to teams from smaller leagues to compete against some of the biggest clubs in Europe (Juventus next year). from Ellis

I do hope West Ham win tonight, but I think no matter which team wins it tonight, the Conference League is a great platform for clubs from across Europe to play and compete for important prize money. Competitions like this help “smaller” clubs or struggling clubs to compete with the top clubs more! It also gives opportunities to teams from smaller leagues to compete against some of the biggest clubs in Europe (Juventus next year).

Fans are making the most of the opportunity to grab a picture in front of the Europa Conference League trophy in the Old Town.

In case you weren't sure ... it's not the real one!

BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport

There are already over a thousand West Ham fans out in Old Town Square in Prague, enjoying morning drinks, putting up banners and some are even having a kick around in front of the city’s famous astronomical clock.

A few hundred Fiorentina fans have gathered in one corner and the atmosphere is lively, with plenty of chants flying across the cobblestones.

They’ve started early… hopefully they’ll still be going strong by kick-off!

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SMS Message: West Ham win 3-0. Fiorentina don't stand a chance against the likes of Rice, Soucek and Antonio. Rice to score a stunner and Antonio to score two tap-ins from Anon

West Ham win 3-0. Fiorentina don't stand a chance against the likes of Rice, Soucek and Antonio. Rice to score a stunner and Antonio to score two tap-ins

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