West Ham United co-chairman praises Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce

West Ham United co-chairman David Sullivan believes former boss Sam Allardyce did a 'perfectly good job' ahead of their reunion this weekend.
West Ham United co-chairman David Gold (left) and David Sullivan (right)West Ham United co-chairman David Gold (left) and David Sullivan (right)
West Ham United co-chairman David Gold (left) and David Sullivan (right)

Allardyce takes his Sunderland side to Upton Park on Saturday, the Black Cats' last ever visit to the famous ground before the Hammers relocate to the Olympic Stadium.

And Allardyce’s former employer has praised the job he did in East London after getting West Ham promoted in 2012 before consolidating their top flight position.

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Allardyce came under heavy criticism from Hammers fans towards the end of his spell in charge, with fans unhappy with the style of play.

But Sullivan has thanked Allardyce for his efforts, with seventh placed West Ham now thriving under new boss Slaven Bilic.

Sullivan said: "We now switch our attentions to the home game against Sunderland on Saturday and a lot of attention will surround the return of Sam Allardyce to the Boleyn Ground.

"I have said it before that I felt he did a perfectly good job during his four-year spell. He did all we asked of him and I am a fan of Sam.

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"He left the club in a considerably better state then when he arrived and, for that, the Board were truly grateful.

"He took us back into the top flight with a memorable victory in the Play-Off Final at Wembley and then managed to cement our position in the Premier League.

"I can't criticise Sam because he did a good job and I like him. But I think from both sides it was time for a change.

"We made the decision to appoint Slaven Bilic during the summer and the club have now grown even stronger this season.

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"We know it will not be an easy game against Sunderland on Saturday – especially after their last big result against Manchester United.

"But we have not been beaten at the Boleyn Ground since August and I am confident that the team can maintain that impressive unbeaten run this weekend," Sullivan told the club's website.