Allardyce relishing Hammers challenge

New West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce says he's delighted to take on the challenge at Upton Park.

'Big Sam' was unveiled to the media today having replaced Avram Grant who led the club to relegation back to the Championship after six consecutive seasons in the top flight.

Speaking at his first press conference since taking over in East London, the former Bolton man says an immediate return to the Premier League is a priority, and says with the club's commitments to moving to the Olympic Stadium, the Hammers' have to be competing at the top level.

West Ham signed Allardyce's former captain at Bolton Kevin Nolan, who drops down from the Premier League where he had an impressive season skippering Newcastle United.