Big Sam: England men committed

06 August 2011 13:18
Sam Allardyce insists West Ham's England internationals remain firmly committed to the club despite starting the season in the Championship.[LNB] But the former Blackburn boss admits his side will need to rediscover a winning mentality and quickly if they are to win an instant return to the Premier League.[LNB]Allardyce takes charge of his first match when Cardiff visit Upton Park on Sunday, with goalkeeper Robert Green, midfielder Scott Parker and striker Carlton Cole all set to feature.[LNB]"They are West Ham players and they are contracted to West Ham," he told a press conference.[LNB]"Their commitment has to be to the West Ham shirt because that is where their contract lies. I will absolutely field my strongest side and try and start how we mean to go on."[LNB]Asked if the trio were less determined to leave than before he arrived, Allardyce said: "I hope so, I hope all the players are enjoying their training and looking forward to a new season.[LNB]"There is not a lot to tell the players here about their ability, it is how they use it and how they focus as a team to get results.[LNB]"There is a lot of Premier League experience, but it is a different style in the Championship and it's a longer season."[LNB]The Hammers, whose only injury absentee is Julien Faubert, lost 19 league games last season, winning just seven, as they finished bottom of the table and Allardyce acknowledges the mentality of the players is a concern.[LNB]"I have come here to be successful, to try and get the club back in the Premier League," he added.[LNB]"There are some difficult teams and very good managers in this division. Big money has been spent by a lot to try and get up so we are going to have to be right on song, consistently over 46 matches.[LNB]"If I have a concern it is that this club hasn't had a winning mentality.[LNB]"It is a hugely difficult weekend. I am not really comfortable yet with the psyche of the side and how they play. I am working out day by day what the mentality of the players is and what makes them tick. That is an ongoing process."[LNB]Cardiff, who were beaten in the play-off semi-finals last term, also have a new man at the helm in Malky Mackay, recruited from Watford.[LNB]And Mackay sees West Ham, who have brought in Kevin Nolan and Matt Taylor among others, as favourites to win promotion.[LNB]"They are obviously seen as a Premier League-type club," he said on the club website.[LNB]"They have been able to go out and spend substantial amounts on certain players and there's an experience among their squad.[LNB]"You've got England internationals playing there at the moment, still at the club, so they will be one of the favourites for the division, but you've got to play them some time."

Source: Team_Talk