Sam Allardyce has 'discovered the West Ham way again', says co-chairman David Sullivan

The Hammers have made an impressive start to the season

Sam Allardyce looks on from the touchline (GETTY IMAGES)

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce deserves credit for re-introducing the “West Ham way” after a positive start to the Premier League season, co-chairman David Sullivan said on Friday.

After winning three of their opening seven fixtures, West Ham sit seventh in the table and some of the ill-feeling the club’s supporters had towards Allardyce has been lifted.

The former Bolton and Newcastle manager was often criticised by fans last season for adopting negative tactics, and even Sullivan admitted the performances left him with tears in his eyes.

But a new-look formation and victories over Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Queen’s Park Rangers have pleased the co-owner. “There is a lot of optimism about the place now,” Sullivan said. “I believe we have the best squad since we’ve been at the club. We’ve signed some high-energy, younger players and have discovered the ‘West Ham way’.

“He [Allardyce] changed the style after that to a diamond formation. Sam made that decision so he deserves the accolades because, had it not worked, he would have been castigated.”

In an attempt to change the club’s fortunes in front of goal, Allardyce signed Ecuador’s World Cup striker Enner Valencia, Argentine Mauro Zarate and Senegal’s Diafra Sakho, who has scored four goals in his last four matches.

Allardyce has one year left on his contract at Upton Park but, despite the club’s upturn in fortunes, Sullivan said there was no rush to offer the 59-year-old a new deal.