Kidderminster boss Russell Penn shares Declan Rice and David Moyes’ behaviour after West Ham win
Declan Rice and David Moyes softened the blow of the cruel manner of Kidderminster’s defeat by West Ham with their conduct post-game, says Russell Penn.
The National League North side were on the brink of an historic FA Cup upset until the Hammers midfielder scored an injury-time equaliser, before Jarrod Bowen denied the home side penalties by netting the winner in the 121st minute.
But the Irons stand-in skipper and the Scottish boss were gracious in victory and shared some interactions with their beaten opponents after the final whistle that made the experience slightly less painful.
Speaking live on talkSPORT on Monday morning (February 7, 07.40am) Kidderminster boss Penn said: “I’ve got to say this though, West Ham were absolutely superb on the day.
“Declan Rice came in the changing room at the end of the game, gave a load of shirts out, and he even jumped in the same showers as our lads.
“As you can imagine it was surreal.”
The managers were pictured sharing a drink in Penn’s office afterwards and the Harriers manager said of his Premier League counterpart: “He was great, and I didn’t expect anything less from him to be honest.
“He’s invited us down to the training ground to watch training, he’s invited us to games”.
Magic of the FA Cup
Moyes’ side did not come out of the weekend’s cup tie with much credit for what happened on the pitch, as they laboured to scrape their way through to the next round against a side multiple divisions below them.
But it is good to hear they handled themselves well person to person after the game.
The FA Cup doesn’t hold the esteem it once did but the chance for gaps of such size to be bridged in the tournament is one of its major plus points.
The cup also represents the best chance for a trophy to arrive at the London Stadium this year.
But performances will have to be significantly better than it was at the weekend if there is to be any chance of that happening.
Rice’s nature is clear by now and seems like the sort of player who would love the essence of the FA Cup.
And that is part of the reason why the fans love him.
In other West Ham news, this injury hit Hammer is reportedly set for more scans.