West Ham United legend Tony Cottee is delighted with their progress this season.

Cottee has been suitably impressed with his club's start to this season.

"I'm not surprised we are well clear of relegation," he told the London Evening Standard. "Sam Allardyce has some good players in his squad - Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble, Winston Reid, James Tomkins - and a good, experienced goalkeeper in Jussi Jaaskelainen. Winston has especially come on by leaps and bounds although I could see he was a good player when he appeared for New Zealand in the last World Cup. He's been terrific this season.

"We've also got a very good manager now and Sam has turned things around in a short time.

"Sam hasn't been offered a new contract yet although his present deal is up at the end of the season. Things can be sorted out after Christmas but the club needs stability.

"I would love to be back at West Ham in some capacity. It's not quite happened but it's still a possibility."