Sergei was replaced by Luke Chadwick in the final quarter of the win over Reading and Alan explains:
"This is a level where you have to work really hard and at times he was out of position, but he has had three games since he has been with us all summer, and he is not even fit yet.
"He can't be judged on Tuesday and I hope West Ham fans are generous enough not to judge him on that - we are going to get a lot more out of Sergei Rebrov than he showed on Tuesday - but he still displayed glimpses of his quality.
"We have four good strikers and there will be times when two of them are sitting on the bench, so it means the two on the pitch will have to show quality or get replaced.
"That is the competition you want at a club like this and yes, Sergei will play down the middle as well."
Alan enjoyed the performance - and the match - against Reading, and adds:
"It was a terrific game, end to end, and just that bit of quality at the end of the game sealed it when usually games like that come down to an error.
"We have had one or two find out what this division is about but last year we would have drawn that game or lost it - and I would like to think there is a bit more resilience about us this year.
"It was too open at times but I was proud the way both teams attacked the game; Reading certainly didn't come looking for a draw.
"I thought it was a great game, that is the way I like football to be seen - though I'd like the defending to look a little bit better, to be fair."
Luke Chadwick supplied the winner for Teddy Sheringham, of course, and Alan says:
"Chaddy offers a wee bit of quality and it is a big chance for him at West Ham after it didn't go great for him at Manchester United.
"Teddy has come down a level to what he is used to and sometimes players get a shock at just how fast and lively this division is.
"I thought at times he was just a bit slow, thinking he had more time, but when he was on it some of his deliveries into the box were fantastic."
Now Alan is looking to end the first week of a new season with a win over Wigan, and he concludes:
"This is a tough old week for us but so far we have got four points and I am very pleased with that collection at the moment."