Former Hammers boss Alan Pardew believes that West Ham are in safe hands with current manager Sam Allardyce.
Pardew, who managed West Ham between 2003 and 2006 has been on Tyneside since succeeding Chris Hughton (now at Norwich) in 2010. The 52-year-old, whose own position has looked less than secure in recent weeks insists that the Hammers - whom his Newcastle side meet tomorrow - are a good shout for another top half finish."Sam’s an experienced manager," Pardew told the Gazette. "There’s no danger of West Ham going down, they’ve got good players. You like to think they’re in the same bracket as us. So it’s a big game for us. A big three points in that little group I think we’re in."
Meanwhile Allardyce believes that despite Newcastle's 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City last Monday, the Magpies - whom he briefly managed in 2007 - will provide a far tougher proposition on their own turf.
"Even though Newcastle had, probably a poor performance Alan would say in the end, that was only brought about by circumstances and Manchester City being absolutely brilliant," he said. "First game of the season at St James' Park and the fans will lift the players, so we will have to be on top form to make sure we get a result."
One player Pardew could well be without this weekend is midfielder Yohan Cabaye, who was the subject of a £10million bid from Arsenal earlier in the week. The 27-year-old failed to play in Monday's 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City and Pardew refused to state either way whether the French international would be involved.
"There’s a solution that he goes. There’s also a solution that he stays," Pardew explained. "If he stays, he has to be in a position where he produces his best football. He has to have faith in the manager, and he has faith in the group around him.
"I have to support him, and I will, until such time that there is a solution. For me, he is a great player that will be difficult to replace. I’d like him to stay like our fans do. He’s a special player, but we’ll have to wait and see."
Pardew, who is already without the services of Jonas Gutierrez (hamstring) could also be missing Cheik Tiote who is struggling to overcome a groin strain.
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