West Ham United legend Tony Cottee believes Sam Allardyce is the perfect manager to lead the Hammers to promotion in 2011/12.
The former West Ham and England striker has kept a close eye on Allardyce's progress at Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers through his role as a Sky pundit, and is a keen admirer of his work.
Cottee explained that the new manager's work ethic, determination and professionalism are exactly what is needed to arrest the club's recent slide into the npower Championship.
"I think Sam is a good appointment," the 1985/86 Hammer of the Year told West Ham TV. "My own personal opinion was that I wanted either Martin O'Neill or Sam Allardyce - I felt those two were the standout candidates. There were some other good managers who were mentioned along the way, but I'm pleased that Sam has got it.
"I'm not going to stand here and say that Sam is my best mate and I know him really well, but whenever I've come across Sam he has been really friendly and said 'Hello' and hopefully I'll spend a little bit of time with him as the season goes on.
"I think it is a great appointment for the club."
Allardyce and the club's Board have already begun work on assembling a promotion-winning squad ahead of the new season.
While a number of players are expected to leave the Boleyn Ground over the summer, Cottee believes the man known throughout the game as 'Big Sam' will be able to attract some quality performers to east London.
And when the season begins on Saturday 6 August, the striker said Allardyce is exactly the right manager to get the most out of his squad over what will be a demanding 46-game season.
"There is obviously a lot of work to be done, which we all know. There's no point in me going on about last season because it's over and done with and we all know how bad it was - it was a horrendous season for everyone involved at the club.
"I always say that I'm a fan first and foremost, I'm not a player. I'm a fan and I want what's best for the club and I honestly believe that, in the appointment of Sam Allardyce, we've given ourselves a real chance.
"We've got what you would call a Premier League manager to manage a Championship club and he's a no-nonsense manager. He won't take any shortcomings from any of the players and I think that is probably what's needed.
"It's important that the players, whoever does stay at the club, show the right attitude and application because the Championship is a really tough league. I cover it week-in, week-out in my role for Sky and I know exactly how tough it is.
"The first thing you need is a good manager to work with the quality that we've got here and I'm sure he'll bring in a few more. It's a great appointment, it really is."