West Ham United

Martin Keown hails Sam Allardyce for West Ham United turnaround

By Simon Sinclair, Reporter | 18 October 2014

Martin Keown praises Sam Allardyce for adapting his style of football at West Ham United amid fierce criticism of his management last season.

Martin Keown has hailed Sam Allardyce for turning West Ham United's fortunes around by altering his approach to the game.

The Hammers were booed off at Upton Park at times last season due to the quality of football displayed, despite positive results. The criticism prompted co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan to demand a change in the style played by the team.

Allardyce's side have responded this season with a series of excellent performances, including a 3-1 win over Liverpool, which has seen them rise to seventh in the Premier League.

Keown wrote in the Daily Mail: "Sam Allardyce turns 60 on Sunday. This season he's proving that you are never too old to learn new tricks.

"From being booed off the pitch last season to winning in style this time around, things have changed dramatically at West Ham. The football has been transformed and with that, so has the mood at Upton Park.

"For Big Sam, so often associated with pragmatic, long-ball football, it has been the biggest turnaround in 20 years of management. His team have been playing with style, pace and, most importantly, are getting the results to go with it."

West Ham face Burnley in their Premier League clash later today.