No old pals act for West Brom boss Sam Allardyce in London
Albion boss Sam Allardyce will put sentiment to one side when he returns to West Ham tonight.
The Baggies chief enjoyed four successful years in charge of the Hammers – first guiding them back into the Premier League before establishing them there.
The 66-year-old also has an excellent relationship with West Ham owners David Gold and David Sullivan – with that friendship key to Albion being able to sign Robert Snodgrass this month.
Allardyce though won’t be doing his old employers any favours tonight – with the boss telling his players it is vital they backup their impressive derby win over Wolves by getting a result tonight.
“I had four very good years at West Ham,” Allardyce said.
“In the first year I took them up and we went on to have three fantastic years in the Premier League.
“It’s nice to see them maintain that position and try and improve year in, year out. That was a job well done.
“But going back can only be a joy for me if we get a result.
“A result for us sends out a message (to Albion’s relegation rivals). It does.
“The first aim at West Ham is to come off the pitch undefeated.
“We can’t go down and say we are going to win in the position we are in, but the Wolves result has given us confidence. We have to go and apply ourselves again, just as well as we did against Wolves.”
Allardyce was pleased with talisman Matheus Pereira in the win at Wolves.
The Brazilian netted two penalties – just a week after missing in the FA Cup shootout against Blackpool.
“He (Pereira) was very good against Wolves,” the boss added.
“Not just his two penalties and his ability, but also his work-rate. I saw a lad working with the team for the team.
“He showed quality, but also a confidence in himself because he missed a penalty at Blackpool. But he took two penalties very confidently to win the game.”
