David Moyes deserves place alongside Sir Alex in Scottish football royalty after finally shaking Man United stigma

Next month marks a decade since David Moyes stepped into the shoes of world football’s most successful manager at Manchester United. Cruelly, most of the journey since has been spent rebuilding his reputation after the poisoned chalice of replacing the irreplaceable Sir Alex Ferguson resulted in the sack less than a season in.

Now though, 10 years on from leaving 11 seasons of success at Everton for 11 months of strife at Old Trafford, Moyes has proved he really does belong with Sir Alex and other members of Scottish football royalty. Leading West Ham to an heroic Europa Conference League triumph over Fiorentina on Wednesday night saw the 60-year-old join an illustrious group of seven Scottish managers to have lifted European silverware.

Topped by the Manchester United and Aberdeen icon, the group also includes Matt Busby, Jock Stein, Bill Shankly, Willie Waddell and George Graham. Still some might scoff. But Moyes’ former sidekick Alan Irvine insists that lofty position is long overdue. And not in the slightest misplaced.

Irvine has had three spells as Moyes’ assistant - at Everton and twice with the Hammers. He reckons his old pal has had to endure years of unjust criticism due to the stigma of his spell at United.

That’s why he couldn’t be happier for his fellow Scot who he insists is hugely respected by his peers. Irvine stepped down from his day-to-day role with West Ham two years ago but remains an opposition analyst for Moyes.

And speaking to Record Sport he said: “I couldn’t get out to Prague so I watched it from home and I was kicking every ball. I was desperate for the team and David to do well. I’m thrilled.

“I’ve had a whole load of messages from loads of people asking me to pass on their congratulations to