Former West Ham United player and manager Harry Redknapp has praised his old club ahead of Sunday's Barclays Premier League visit of his Queens Park Rangers side to east London.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Redknapp predicted that West Ham would enjoy a productive season and praised the Hammers' dealings in the summer transfer window.
Redknapp's QPR, who are still seeking their first points on the road in the Barclays Premier League this term, travel to a sold out Boleyn Ground for a 4.15pm kick-off on Sunday.
"We need a result away from home as quick as we can, that's what we need," the 67-year-old began, when asked for his thoughts on his team's chances of success against the Hammers.
Redknapp was then asked for his thoughts on West Ham, and whether Sunday's game was one his team needed to win if they hope to steer clear of the relegation battle.
"I don't see West Ham as being in a relegation battle," he continued. "I don't see them being down there. I think they're a team who have bought some good players in and look a decent team this year. I think they will be in mid-table.
"Of course it's good to go back and see a few old friends - people are there who were there when I was at the club. It's a fantastic club. I went there at 15 so all my memories of going there as a kid, it will always be a special club for me."
Redknapp praised Sam Allardyce for the business conducted by the Hammers during the summer, in particular the captures of in-form strikers Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia, experienced midfielder Alex Song and left-back Aaron Cresswell.
"They've brought some good players in, two good strikers with pace, Alex Song, they've improved their squad. That's the difference this year. I've always liked the left-back Cresswell. Sam's a good manager who has got better players to work with."
Redknapp was also asked for his view on the impact made by attacking coach Teddy Sheringham - a player he signed for Portsmouth in summer 2003 following Pompey's promotion to the Premier League - and the 48-year-old's own managerial prospects.
"Teddy is a great lad who played for me at Portsmouth. He was a fantastic player. I don't know what he does coaching-wise at West Ham, though - you'd have to ask Sam!
"[As for his managerial prospects] I brought Les Ferdinand into Tottenham with Tim Sherwood and gave them an opportunity when they were out of work, so why not?"