West Ham United co-chairman David Gold is convinced the club's fans will give Sam Allardyce a warm reception this weekend.
Allardyce managed the Hammers from 2011 until 2015, while he is now at Sunderland and attempting to keep the Black Cats in the Premier League.
The 61-year-old's managerial methods were anathema to large numbers of West Ham fans, but Allardyce will be back at Upton Park on Saturday when he takes his Sunderland team to lock horns with the Hammers.
Despite some fans being displeased with Allardyce's methods, Gold is convinced they will give the former Blackburn Rovers boss the respect he deserves.
Gold wrote on Twitter: "I'm sure our fans will show Big Sam there appreciation for achieving everything we asked him to do. [sic]"
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Allardyce's Sunderland are in need of points and sit inside the Premier League relegation zone, one point from safety.
His former club however find themselves seventh and are dreaming of qualifying for Europe before they move into the Olympic Stadium this coming summer.
