Steve Bruce reckons Sam Allardyce has produced a West Ham miracle!

Ahead of today’s clash against his hull City team he said: “This is the best West Ham team I have seen in years and that’s all down to Sam.

“They have an outstanding chance of making Europe and I reckon they’ll do it. And that will be one in the chops for those who gave him a tough time last season.

“Sam, being the man he is, was of course strong enough to see it through, take the flak and not let it affect him.

“His bosses have been patient with him, too, and they have recognised what a good job he’s done on the quiet.

“When you look at the records of David Sullivan and David Gold, the one thing you will see is that they are loyal people and do give you time.

“They must have been going 20 years in the game now and you can see how few managers they have had. It’s testament to them in this crazy world of management.”

Bruce and Allardyce are best pals and even go on holidays together but the Tigers boss will not let that colour his opinion of his friend.

He added: “Sam is a big mate but that doesn’t come into the equation when you judge him as a manager. Just look at his record — that’s all you have to do to realise just how good he is at his job.

“Within four years he has taken West Ham on a remarkable journey.

“We know the challenge we face there but we’ll relish it. We shall be going for it because we need to put some wins on the board.”