Tony Cottee insists that Sam Allardyce needs to play a second striker up front if the Hammers are to become a real attacking force next season.

ClaretandHugh reported yesterday (Tues) that the club’s legendary former goal scorer was keen to discuss the possibility of becoming the new attacking coach at the Boleyn.

The board has insisted on a more attacking approach and see the role as critical to their new approach.

However, it seems talks may be reaching an advanced stage with Teddy Sheringham who is favourite to land the job.

Cottee, meanwhile, insists that a second striker will be critical to the team’s season declaring: “Someone has to help Andy Carroll.

“Finding that player is critical but very difficult of course although I still like Ross McCormack at Leeds.

“Using Andy in that lone role last season did not produce what was required and there needs to be someone alongside of behind him who can feed off those brilliant knockdowns.

“I genuinely felt sorry for the big fella last season – he was chasing his own knockdowns and putting in so much running for so little return.”