Hammers 43 year wait for silverware finally ends with historic win against Fiorentina in Europa Conference League Final in Prague
I hope everyone is safe and well and have recovered from whatever celebrations you have all been taking part in since our historic victory on Wednesday night over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final.
So much has been said about the emotions we have all felt about the Hammers finally winning some silverware after 43 years and the highs a lows of the near misses that saw bubbles fly so high only for our dreams fade a die since our glorious FA Cup victory over Arsenal in 1980.
Instead of remembering those disappointing defeats and near misses we can now talk about where we were and how we watched Bowen run onto Paqueta’s incredible pass as he chipped Terracciano and Hammers fans dared to dream, hearts skipping a beat as the ball travelled almost in slow motion into the open net.
Where were you when the ball crossed the line, when the Fortuna Arena in Prague erupted in ecstasy as voices cracked, tears flowed and suddenly everything was a blur of raw undiluted emotion?
Where were you when the final whistle blew and the party started as Fiorentina players crushed by their defeat stared through their own tears of disappointment as the West Ham players and Hammers faithful sang and danced and celebrated what can be only be described as an epic party that resolved so many years of what ifs and gut wrenching heartaches?
For those who were able, made their way to Upton Park for a victory parade we thought would never happen in most of our life times to continue the party. The perfect start to the finale of celebrations as the open top bus filed passed with the players who have fought with passion and shear physical hard work throughout the season to bring home a major trophy for adoring fans.
As the police struggled to control the passions of young and old fans alike, the tour bus turned passed The Champions sculpture at the junction of Green Street and Barking Road, covered in fans and billowing claret and blue flares from the hands of fans precariously balanced on top.
Players clearly taken by the noise, the passion and love and party desperately capture the moment with their phones as they waved at fans below and tried to soak up the celebrations.
The party continued as the buses moved slowly towards Stratford Town Hall where yet more fans waited desperately to see the players and the trophy and scream ‘West Ham Are Massive Wherever We Go!’
I was there and did my best to capture the celebrations, but needing to allow myself to give in the the mood and emotions as well. Very emotional it was too. Unforgettable memories to treasure and the dream that bubbles will again fly so high in seasons to come. We want this again, and again and again. COYI!
I hope you enjoy my photos from the victory parade. Sadly I couldn’t get close enough to capture the players on the balcony at the town hall. You either had to go to Upton Park or Town Hall for the best views and I chose Upton Park first and then rushed off the Stratford but the crowd was already covering every inch of road and pavement by the time I arrived. But either way, I hope my photos capture some of the passions, emotions and celebrations of the day.
Stay safe everyone
Dawud
From the Stands 