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West Ham technical director Noble: No bitterness seeing the boys in ECL final

West Ham technical director Mark Noble is proud of the club to have reached the Europa Conference League final.

The Hammers meet Fiorentina tonight in Prague.

Noble, who retired last summer, told whufc.com: "A few people have asked me if I feel a little twinge of bitterness or frustration that West Ham have reached a major European final the season after I retired.

"The answer, though, is absolutely not.

"Throughout my playing career - and particularly once I was appointed captain - all I ever wanted was for us to be successful, and for people around the club to have smiles on their faces. That has always come before any personal ambition.

"So to see the boys reach this occasion makes me so, so happy. Because I know how much it means to them, and I know how much it means to all of you.

"Finals, generally, are only enjoyable and memorable if you are on the winning side. And make no mistake - we are not in Prague just for the fun of it. We are going there to win. The players are determined, focused and have prepared fantastically well to be in the best possible condition and mindset going into the game. The spirit in the camp is magnificent, and all of the lads are so desperately determined to bring the trophy home to east London."

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