Former West Ham United striker John Hartson believes that the club should continue using their direct style of football if it brings them success.
The Hammers have received criticism for their long ball style of play under manager Sam Allardyce. The Londoners gained promotion to the Premier League after beating Blackpool 2-1 in the Championship playoff final at Wembley on Saturday, and Hartson feels that the side should carry on playing to their strengths.
"He pretty much has to go his own way," Hartson told The Press Pass. "His own way has got him success in terms of getting up through the playoffs.
"Some West Ham fans will be restless because over the years you look at the players that they've had. Trevor Brooking, Alan Devonshire, Ian Bishop, John Moncur and even Bobby Moore could run out of the back with the ball.
"They are a very traditional club in terms of the way they play. They're renowned for passing the ball but when you've got a player like Carlton Cole up front who is making the ball stick, who can back in, is six foot four and is a big target man, you've got to play for the players you play with.
"If you've got good midfield players then you can go through midfield but if you've got that option of a big target man [use him], if it is successful and it's working [stick with it]."
Hartson joined West Ham from Arsenal in 1997.
Matt Cotton
