West Ham stronger and ready for more European glory, says David Moyes

David Moyes insists West Ham are now stronger than they were when they won last season's Uefa Conference League – despite the loss of captain and star player Declan Rice.

England midfielder Rice was inspirational as the Hammers ended a 43-year wait for a major trophy by beating Fiorentina in last season's final. It proved his last act in a West Ham shirt as he promptly sealed a £105 million move to London rivals Arsenal.

Moyes wasted no time in reinvesting the club record fee, signing the likes of James Ward-Prowse from relegated Southampton and Ajax duo Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus.

Despite a poor league campaign last term, their Conference League success earned the Hammers a place in this season's Europa League, and Moyes' new-look side begin their quest for more European silverware when they face Serbian league leaders Backa Topola in Group A at the London Stadium on Thursday.

They do so following an encouraging start to their Premier League campaign, having won three and drawn one of their opening four matches before impressing in a losing effort against champions Manchester City last weekend.

Moyes said: “I think we’ve tried to build a stronger whole group [since losing Rice]. The competition is good in the squad. We want to keep that strong and the players are in a confident frame of mind, which comes from victories and playing well.”

That Conference League triumph was also a first piece of silverware for Moyes, who has enjoyed a long and eventful career managing Everton and Manchester United, among others. He surprised a few people that night, not by winning, but more for his jubilant and unrestrained celebrations.

“I’ve got to say there’s an inner glow about me because I know getting that victory means so