A message from West Ham United manager David Moyes ahead of Tuesday's Carabao Cup second-round tie with Charlton Athletic...
We will do everything we can to progress in the Carabao Cup, a competition which will advance and reach the latter stages quickly due to the opening rounds being played in the early weeks of this season.
I’ve always tried to win every cup in which my club has been entered. Ultimately though, the Premier League will always be a priority for every member club because of the finances it generates, particularly during these times made more uncertain by the presence of COVID-19.
Tonight’s game will provide me with a chance to give some players an opportunity to show me what they can do. I have always believed throughout my managerial career that success in any competition is a good thing.
It’s only a short trip for Charlton Athletic tonight and the two clubs have had other close ties over the years, with the Addicks even playing at the Boleyn Ground for a while in the early 1990s before their return to The Valley.
I’d like to welcome to Lee Bowyer, his staff and players to London Stadium this evening. The constricted nature of this season means the games come thick and fast early on but Lee and his players will be well aware of that, having played in what is a demanding Championship last season, and I wish them every success in their bid to bounce back.
I know from talking to Josh Cullen, how much he enjoyed his time at Charlton following his loan period and they will provide us with tough opposition tonight.
I thought they were extremely unlucky to be relegated on the final day of last season but, despite that disappointment, I know how hard Lee is working at a club where he started out as a young player before going on to enjoy a fantastic career.
Tonight’s tie presents the incentive of another home draw in the third round but the downside is that, once again, you won’t be able to join us.
We hope that will change at some stage in the not too distant future because, believe me, we are missing you and looking forward to your return as soon as possible.
Enjoy the game.
David Moyes
Manager
