Allardyce v Mackay. Two new managers go head to head

Last updated : 06 August 2011 By Michael Morris

But I can see a lot of moans and groans if West Ham fail to hit the ground running.

Here's what the two men had to say ahead of Sunday's live TV game at Upton Park.

West Ham have three players, Robert Green, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole who could all leave Upton Park in the next couple of weeks.

allardyce"They are West Ham players and they are contracted to West Ham," Allardyce said.

"Their commitment has to be to the West Ham shirt because that is where their contract lies.

"Of course, like everybody at this stage of the season, the madhouse is in full flow. Speculation is all over the place on a constant basis which is why this is one of the most difficult periods for a manager in an entire season.

"All we can do is try to focus on what is the most important thing and that is the Cardiff game on Sunday, and for us to try to go out and set a marker on how we want to be by trying to win the game.

"I will absolutely field my strongest side and try to start how we mean to go on. That would be great.

"I would imagine we will grow and get better as the season goes on as we will get to know each other better.

"A lot of players have left and fringe players from last year have a better opportunity to have a major stake in the team this year."

When asked if his England trio were now less determined to leave, Allardyce added: "I think that it is always where you want to play, at the highest level.

"I hope all the players are enjoying their training and looking forward to a new season. I certainly am, and they have got less to worry about than me!

"If I am looking forward to it they should be doubly excited about the season starting on Sunday."

Malky Mackay leads Cardiff into a new era. After six years of Dave Jones it's a new begining for the Bluebirds.

mackay2“So far, things have come along nicely in terms of getting players in and they are beginning to gel together,” said Mackay.

“I am delighted at the way every player has applied themselves.

“West Ham are a Premier League-type team and they have been able to go out and spend a good amount of money on certain players.

“They will be among the favourites to go up, but we have to play them at some stage and the first game will be fine.”

Mackay spent a season with West Ham a few years ago, 

“The last time before 2010-11 West Ham went down they were under pressure to go straight back up,” said Mackay.

 “They failed in the play-off final and there was a lot of stick flying about.

“The following season I went there and we went up via the play-offs.

“I had a really good and happy season playing for West Ham. It is a great ground to go to.”

Now though Mackay is focussed on getting Cardiff promoted:

“The expectation of this football club has to be to get to the Premier League,” he said.

“We will start the race like everybody else, trying to reach that top six.

“I have been promoted three times before with football clubs, while Cardiff have been involved in play-offs for the last couple of years.

“There was a big upheaval over the summer when 12 players left – eight loans and four out of contract.

“A lot of work has been done, nine players brought in and there are more to come.”

West Ham v Cardiff City
Sunday 1:00pm.