SAM Allardyce is adamant British can be best when it comes to coaching at the highest level.

And the Wanderers' boss points to Glenn Roeder, who brings his West Ham side to the Reebok today, as a prime example of home grown managerial talent.

Roeder has been offered a new deal at Upton Park after being tipped by many to be the first managerial casualty of the season.

That early-season speculation angered Allardyce at the time because his young rival had not been given the chance to prove his worth.

Now, having benefited from having a supportive chairman and board of directors himself, he is delighted Roeder was able to ride the storm. "I am very pleased for Glenn because it gives more standing to young English coaches in the Premiership.

"I think it shows that people like myself and Glenn, who are new into it, can handle it and do as good a job as anyone.

"You also have to look at the likes of George Burley, Alan Curbishley and Peter Reid who have been successful in the last few seasons.

"This tells everyone that the best people are not always from abroad. There are good coaches here.

"Because Glenn was not a big name with a big reputation, he had to take a lot of flak. Gladly he has come through it and shut everyone up."