Allardyce takes over at West Ham, promises attractive football

“Big” Sam Allardyce has been appointed to the managerial hotseat at West Ham United – and then risked immediate ridicule by promising to bring attractive football to Upton Park.

Allardyce replaces Avram Grant, who suffered the ignominious fate of a second successive relegation with separate clubs.

The Israeli was summarily dispatched to the dole queue – and Allardyce, who has been away from the game since being heartlessly sacked by Blackburn in December, four days before the second anniversary of their union – is the somewhat surprise choice to replace him at the Boleyn Ground.

Speaking after the confirmation of his appointment, the gruff ex-Bolton, Newcastle and Blackburn boss said, “It is an honour to be the new manager of West Ham United. It is a fantastic club with a great tradition and loyal supporters who deserve to be in the Premier League. I can't wait to begin pre-season training as I am determined to get this club back where it belongs.”

However, we’re sure that the man who once said that he would be given the England job if his name was Allardici prompted stifled laughter when he pledged to ditch the habits of a lifetime and sanction a passing style of play at his new club – at least some of the time.

“I know there will be West Ham fans asking whether I'm going to abandon the style of play that's been the club's heritage over the years,” said the 1992 League of Ireland First Division title winner.

“All I'll say is it will be a tale of home and away. At Upton Park we'll attempt to play the kind of passing game the fans want. We will aim to continue in the same way on our travels but we'll also be tough, hard to beat and utterly resilient.”

This is the same manager, remember, who has sent into action teams including such cultured talents as Kevin Davies, Abdoulaye Faye,Chris Samba, El Hadji-Diouf and Joey Barton, and who prompted the Guardian to impose the nickname Blackeye Rovers upon Blackburn during his time in charge at Ewood Park.

Championship football under Allardyce, Hammers fans. Bet you can’t wait.