Tuesday 30 December 2014 13:52, UK
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce cannot afford to worry about the managerial situation at West Brom ahead of their New Year's Day clash.
The Hammers will start 2015 in sixth place in the Premier League, despite defeats by Chelsea and Arsenal in their last two games, and they look to get their quest for Europe back on track against the managerless Baggies, who fired Alan Irvine on Monday.
Allardyce expects the decision to fire up West Brom's players, and he has recent experience of such a change, but he is keen to stress no change in the way he is preparing his side for Thursday, whoever might end up in the opposing dugout.
"Initially, it can be a disadvantage," Allardyce said. "West Brom players have experienced change, we had it last year and played West Brom when they changed their manager - we lost 1-0.
"For us, it's about trying to re-establish our own form and results. Arsenal was the first home game we had lost in seven and I didn't think we deserved to lose it. We've just got to try and get back to winning ways.
"Whatever position West Brom are in now, they are still a talented side. I watched the Manchester City game and I saw how many opportunities they missed.
"When we played them at their place it was a real tough 2-1 victory for us, one that we had to be very resilient to try and get, so we'll have to be very careful on New Year's Day about how we approach the game."
Tony Pulis is favourite to take over from Irvine, and could be installed in time for the trip to Upton Park, but Allardyce expects current members of the West Brom coaching staff to set them up and feels a new manager, whoever it might be, will need time to bring in his working practices.
"I don't know how much effect you can have as a manager if you haven't worked with a team," he added.
"You might have an effect with what you might say before the game but I am sure he'll leave it to the lads who are in charge to pick the team. We'll wait and see.
"Like I said, it's all about being aware of what they are in terms of their ability, and we have to make sure we are spot on, with no hangover from the two defeats we've suffered."
And Allardyce admits he is not shocked to see managers under pressure as the January transfer window approaches. Along with Irvine, Crystal Palace fired Neil Warnock and Newcastle could be looking for a new manager if Alan Pardew makes the move to Selhurst Park.
"I don't think it has surprised me. The game is results driven, more than ever before, and if you don't get results clubs change managers more regularly," he said.
"When it comes up to a transfer window it also looks like it has a major effect on owners where they see they have a manager who may have proposed some players to bring in in the window, and they may have taken the opinion they would sooner give that to a new manager."
