Former Manchester United and England striker Teddy Sheringham has jumped at the chance to link up with former Millwall teammate Sam Allardyce at Premier League outfit West Ham United.
Sheringham, a key member of United’s 1999 treble-winning side, has teamed up with Allardyce on a part-time basis as the club’s new attacking coach.
The Hammers are under orders to produce more ‘entertainment’ in the new season and Sheringham said the opportunity immediately grabbed his attention.
“Sam phoned me a week or so ago and asked me if I fancied it. It was far too good to resist really,” said the 48-year-old, who played alongside Allardyce in the early 80s at the south London club.
“Being a West Ham boy and coming from the area, it fits nicely in all that I’m about, what with working alongside Sam and knowing a few of the players as well.
“I know the environment, I know everything about West Ham, so it was just too good an opportunity to turn down.”
Sheringham, who scored 147 Premier League goals during his career, retired in 2008 after 24 years that included playing for Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, Portsmouth and Colchester United as well as West Ham, United and Millwall.
Sheringham will be tasked with adding potency to West Ham’s forward line following disappointing displays last season that produced just 40 Premier League goals, the division’s joint-fifth worst attack.
The frustration of West Ham’s supporters grew with the team’s route-one style gaining regular jeers from fans who are traditionally used to seeing their team play attractive free-flowing football.
Their disapproval came to a head in March when they booed after West Ham’s 2-1 victory over Hull, to which Allardyce cupped his ears in disbelief.
West Ham’s board have assured that Allardyce’s position is confirmed but the club have outlined a number of improvements that need to be made, including a more entertaining brand of football, the recruitment of an attacking coach and more influence from the owners in transfers.
Argentinian striker Mauro Zarate became the club’s first signing of the summer on Wednesday.
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