Pards' Bolton Brief

ALAN Pardew has warned his Hammers side that they will face a tough examination against Bolton at Upton Park, but he believes the exuberance of his young team could be the key to West Ham United's chances of success on Saturday.

"I saw Bolton play against Newcastle in mid-week," he said, "and in my opinion they are worthy of being a top six team again this season.

"I've seen Arsenal and Chelsea play this season, but outside those two I think Bolton are the best team I have watched. They go about their football in a very professional way, they are extremely well organised and I was very impressed with them last season.

"They have brought a lot of experienced players to the Club. Many are established internationals who they have blended together in a system that they are familiar with and one which gets results.

"I have tremendous admiration for the job Sam Allardyce and his staff have done at Bolton, particularly their thorough approach and professional attitude. It's similar to what we are trying to develop here, but they are probably a few years ahead.

"It's a terrific job, an example to other clubs, and if we can follow in the success they have achieved then I'll be overjoyed."

With Kevin Davies providing a target up front, Bolton have the reputation for being a team reliant on on long balls and set-plays for goals. But Pards is quick to stress that this theory does not give credit to the good football Bolton are capable of playing.

"A lot is made of their set-plays," he agreed, "particularly the long throws of Jay Jay Okocha. But there is a lot more to Bolton than just set-pieces. They can play football, they have some very talented players in the side and we will have to be right on our game come Saturday.

"They will be in the grove after a very good win against Newcastle, but we will have the advantage of a full week's break. Their tails are up while our spirits are very high in the camp at the moment, so it should all make for an exciting game at Upton Park.

"One thing's for sure - Bolton will be very difficult to get at. But we like to think that we've got the exuberance and pace to get at them. A good start will be important and if we can put some pressure on them early on it might make it difficult for them to come at us."

Pards sees no reason why Hammers can't compete and come away with a victory against Bolton on Saturday, but he admits his team will need the backing of the Upton Park faithful, just as they did against Blackburn Rovers two weeks ago.

"To get a win in this game would be a fantastic result," he admitted. "We have to be looking to take points from our home games, and that's why the crowd are such a vital part of what we are trying to achieve.

"If the fans create the kind of atmosphere we had against Blackburn then I see no reason why we can't make it really difficult for Bolton on Saturday and come away with three points.

"We go into the game on a high and with plenty of confidence after two very good results. Hopefully we can make it a third on Saturday and continue what has been an encouraging start to the season."