West Ham United 'deny rift with Sam Allardyce following awards dinner'

West Ham United have denied speculation that the club's co-chairman David Sullivan and manager Sam Allardyce are involved in a dispute.

There were suggestions that Allardyce did not have a major role during the club's annual player awards on Wednesday evening at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane.

These reports led to suggestions of a rift between Sullivan and Allardyce, who is due to undergo contract talks with the club's hierarchy at the end of the season.

However, according to the London Evening Standard, a spokesman for the Hammers clarified: "Sam, his coaching staff and players, were given a great reception by the supporters when they were asked to stand up. Sam also featured in several videos.

"We had a slight change of format on the night though so the outgoing Hammer of the Year Mark Noble was involved in a Q&A with TV presenter Ben Shephard instead of the manager."

Widespread reports have claimed that Allardyce will leave West Ham this summer as the club are believed to be keen to make changes prior to next year's move to the Olympic Stadium.