Sam Allardyce is understandably delighted to have secured the signing of England winger Stewart Downing.
The former Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Liverpool player joined the Hammers yesterday in a four-year deal worth around £6million.
And boss Allardyce believes he is the perfect addition to his squad as they edge closer to their opening 2013/2014 Premier League fixture with Cardiff City on Saturday.
He told whufc.com: “Stewart is a great player with a very good pedigree.
“If you look at his technical and physical stats, it puts him right up there among the top players we have at the club.
“He’s a talented boy with good energy, and will improve the team’s quality, particularly in possession. He doesn’t give the ball away, he can hold it if he needs to and he can dribble as well.”
And Allardyce feels reuniting Downing with club-record signing and former Liverpool teammate, Andy Carroll, has improved the club’s attacking threat, as well as being a fantastic piece of business.
“To pick up two players of the quality of Stewart and Andy is good business both financially and in football terms,” he added.
“They will help to improve us as an attacking unit. Stewart will be able to produce the kind of ball we need and will have the opportunity to cross the ball.”
