West Ham United are set to meet Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Tony Cottee has told the London Evening Standard that West Ham United fans should give Sam Allardyce a good ovation when he takes his Crystal Palace side to the London Stadium.
Allardyce guided West Ham back to the Premier League, but he was never universally popular during his time at the London club.
The 62-year-old was often criticised for his defensive style of play by sections of West Ham fans, and he departed in 2015.
Allardyce has been back to West Ham on numerous occasions since then, and the reaction towards him has been mixed.
However, Cottee believes that Hammers supporters should welcome Allardyce back when he makes his first visit to the London Stadium in charge of an opposition side.
“I’d also say that Sam Allardyce should get a round of applause on Saturday, although I am sure he won’t,” Cottee said.
“He did a good job at West Ham. I’ve always said that.
“He did what he was asked to, then he moved on. He stabilised the club after relegation.”
West Ham go into their match against Allardyce’s Palace side as the favourites, but neither team have enjoyed the season so far.
The Hammers are in 13th place in the Premier League table, while Palace are in 17th – just one point above the drop zone.
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