If his navigation skills are anything to go by, Neil McDonald is the perfect man to help lead West Ham United in the right direction.

The Hammers' new assistant manager has joined forces with Sam Allardyce, rekindling the partnership that was so successful during the pair's spell in charge at Bolton Wanderers.

Back in August 1988, however, it was McDonald's driving that helped Tony Cottee get his Everton career off to a spectacular goalscoring start, with the full-back leading the convoy that got the striker to Goodison Park in time to net a hat-trick in a 4-0 victory over Newcastle United.

The Hammers legend also told West Ham TV how the new team-mates struck up a close friendship after signing for the Toffees that has endured for more than two decades.

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"Neil has done his apprenticeship," said Cottee. "He worked with Sam at Bolton and Blackburn and had a very successful year as a manager himself at Carlisle, and it's only because he had an argument with the Chairman that he lost his job when they were top of the league.

"I've known Neil McDonald for 23 years now. We actually both arrived at Everton at the same time - he had signed for the club two or three days before me.

"I moved into the Bold Hotel in Southport and Neil was staying there with his wife. He was first person I had to get to know, because we were travelling in for training every morning together.

"I always tell the story about my debut for Everton against Newcastle - the famous game where I scored a hat-trick - but I had to follow Neil to the ground because I didn't know where Goodison Park was!

"It's a true story. I was living 250 miles from home and was only 23 and we went in two cars and I actually followed Neil to the ground. You look back now and think 'How stupid was I?' but I've got a lot to be grateful to Neil for on that day. Without him, I wouldn't have even made the kick-off!

"We've remained close since our time at Everton and have kept in contact by phone. Whenever I've been to Bolton or Blackburn in my Sky capacity, I've popped down and said 'Hello' to him and Sam.

"I've spoken to Neil since the job came up and he's been on holiday, but I know he can't wait to get cracking."

While Cottee was quick to praise old pal McDonald, he was also delighted with the appointment of manager Allardyce.

The former Hammers and England forward believes the former Bolton and Blackburn boss will quickly gain the respect of his squad and has every chance of enjoying a successful first season in charge at the Boleyn Ground.

"I suppose we could have gone for a rookie manager, but that wasn't what was needed. We needed a strong manager, someone who can come in and assess the situation very quickly.

"Players talk to each other and I'm sure they spread the word about how good or bad a manager is. I'm sure they'll be saying about how good Sam is. You're never going to please everybody, but most of the players he's worked with will pass the message on to the likes of James Tomkins, Jack Collison and Mark Noble."