"I thought Brian Deane was terrific Saturday," says Alan of his free transfer signing from Leicester, "and I think he has been really good since he has come.
"I would like to think he has banished the idea that he has come here for us to smash it long.
"He linked the play up really well and you can see what a benefit he is going to be for us for the rest of the year.
"I have got to be honest, I have always liked him - and I just felt the chance to bring him here couldn't be missed, not just for his playing ability but for his character.
"He has said some wise words in the dressing room already and those sort of people are important when you are trying to build things."
Alan stresses Brian's arrival does not neccessarily mean a long ball tactic when he plays, rather that his presence allows for variety in the way West Ham can play, and he explains:
"There will be the odd time when we have to do that, if there are 10 minutes to go and we are trailing; you have to be able to mix your game up and he gives us that option.
"The first game at Coventry the balls were too long to him, but I don't want to go on about that.
"I felt he played well all round at the weekend, and certainly in that first period, when he was probably the key figure.
"His defending is important too and we are a decent side at set plays - I want to start getting a bit of joy from those as well."