CRAIG HOPE: David Moyes pays tribute to David Gold following his death

David Moyes pays tribute to David Gold following his death and says the Hammers co-chairman ‘only wanted the best for the club’… while insisting he STILL has the board’s faith despite sixth match without a win after draw at Leeds

• David Moyes insists former co-chairman only ever wanted the best for West Ham
• Hammers pay tribute by covering an empty seat with a shirt with his name on it
• Moyes’ side played a pulsating 2-2 draw with Leeds at Elland Road on Wednesday
• READ: Hammers co-chairman Gold dies aged 86 with his family at his bedside

David Moyes has paid tribute to West Ham co-chairman David Gold following his death on Wednesday and says the club’s hierarchy retain their faith in him as manager.

The Hammers took their first point in six matches at Leeds on Wednesday night, hours after it was announced that Gold, 86, had passed away following a short illness.

And Moyes said: ‘David Gold was incredibly supportive to me personally. He wanted me to stay the first time I was manager and he was thrilled when I came back. He was an old man, but a good man, a sensible man. He has been a big part of the club. He was desperate for West Ham to do something. He only wanted the best for the club.

David Moyes paid tribute to David Gold, praising the role that he played at West Ham 

Moyes insisted that the Hammers’ former co-chairman had the clubs’ best interests at heart

Gold became the club’s co-chairman in 2010 and oversaw the move to the London Stadium

‘David Sullivan (co-chairman) has been equally supportive, if not better. He has been fantastic in his support. They have been really good in encouraging me and the team to get back up the table. 

‘There are a lot of things that have happened at the club in the last two and a half years that give them the confidence I am a manager they can trust.’

Of the match, in which West Ham fought back from a goal down to lead before conceding an equaliser 20 minutes from time, Moyes said: ‘We fought hard. I felt when we went 2-1 up we would win, and we should have done. 

Wilfried Gnonto got the hosts ahead on 27 minutes with a half volley from the edge of the box

Lucas Paqueta equalised for the Hammers at the end of the first half at Elland Road

‘We then made mistakes. We gave a couple of stupid passes and let them back in the game.’

Opposite number Jesse Marsch said: ‘There is a frustration that I want them to become the team I know we can be, and remove the stress. 

‘We need the guy who wants to be in the toughest moments, who doesn’t care almost. They care too much. We have to free them.

Gianluca Scamacca then put the visitors in front just after half-time with a stunning ranged shot

However, Leeds got themselves back into the game through a Rodrigo screamer to make it 2-2

‘It is so interesting to watch us play against the giants, like we have almost nothing to lose and we push. But when we play against opposition around the same level. we are afraid, as if we need the points so badly.’

The Leeds boss did not appear totally on board with the decision to allow midfielder Mateusz Klich to leave for MLS side DC United.

‘It was not black and white,’ he said. ‘It was an open discussion between multiple people here. There is a level of respect for the player. But it won’t be easy to lose him. Between him and I am not absolutely sure it is the right decision, but I wish him the best.’

Jesse Marsch was shown a yellow card late on having left his technical area several times

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