Bright lights suit Big Sam

West Ham 2 Wigan 0

The West Ham manager has carved out an impressive career since starting off his post-playing days at Limerick in 1991, but his reputation as a coach who extols the virtues of the long-ball game has often overshadowed his ability.

Now, however, after bringing West Ham back into the top-flight last season via a play-off final and all but ensuring their status there for another season after reaching 42 points on Saturday with a comprehensive 2-0 win over Wigan, Allardyce says, possibly with a hint of sarcasm, that his PR makeover is down to his move south.