West Ham United legend Julian Dicks is impressed by Sam Allardyce's work at the Boleyn Ground.

Avoiding an immediate return to the Championship was undoubtedly Allardyce's brief at the start of the season, but 44-year-old Dicks believes the Hammers are capable of finishing mid-table or better.

He told The Sun: "As Sam said, the 'West Ham way' has resulted in the club getting relegated in the past, so I'd prefer to play his way and do well than play nice football and go down.

"To be perfectly honest, I always believed West Ham would stay up this season anyway. I genuinely think they'll finish halfway up the table and the games I've seen so far back that up.

"As I say, we've exceeded expectations. Getting a draw against Manchester City, going to Newcastle and winning - which not many clubs do - and then giving Chelsea a thumping.

"I wasn't surprised by the Chelsea result. At home, we've always got a chance of winning, regardless of whether it's against your Manchester Uniteds, Chelseas or Tottenhams."