Tuesday 23 February 2016 13:02, UK
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan says he is "truly grateful" for the job done by former manager Sam Allardyce during his four years at the club.
Allardyce - now Sunderland manager - returns to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday for the first time since his departure from the Hammers at the end of last season.
The 61-year-old was appointed West Ham boss in June 2011 following the club's relegation from the Premier League and masterminded their return to the top-flight, via the Sky Bet Championship play-offs, during his first season in charge.
Despite maintaining the club's place in the Premier League for three seasons, Allardyce was not rewarded with an offer of a contract extension and was replaced in the summer by Slaven Bilic.
"I have said it before that I felt he did a perfectly good job during his four-year spell. He did all we asked of him and I am a fan of Sam," Sullivan told the club's official website.
"He left the club in a considerably better state then when he arrived and, for that, the board were truly grateful.
"He took us back into the top flight with a memorable victory in the play-off final at Wembley and then managed to cement our position in the Premier League.
"I can't criticise Sam because he did a good job and I like him. But I think from both sides it was time for a change.
"We made the decision to appoint Slaven Bilic during the summer and the club have now grown even stronger this season.
"We know it will not be an easy game against Sunderland on Saturday - especially after their last big result against Manchester United.
"But we have not been beaten at the Boleyn Ground since August and I am confident that the team can maintain that impressive unbeaten run this weekend."
