Former Hammer Rio Ferdinand has given his thumbs up to the
'new' West Ham.
Since he was a West Ham player, the manager and team personnel have changed somewhat - but for the better, according to the Hammers' £18m sale to Leeds.
Ironically, he has hinted at a new found resilience under Glenn Roeder, despite the West Ham manager's insistence that things started to go wrong last season after he had departed.
"They were hard to beat and not easy to break down," says Rio of Saturday's 0-0 draw that robbed the Tykes of their 100% record.
"We didn't play as well as we could, but they made it difficult for us," he adds.
And he dismisses claims - such as those in Time Out that the away trip to Derby in just under a fortnight's time will be the first 'six pointer' of the campaign, because, as they put it, it is a relegation clash - that his old club will struggle this season.
"Everyone is shouting about relegation but I don't think they are in danger of that," he says.
"They looked very solid, though it was really only the formation that had changed for them.
"We frustrated them and they frustrated us; it was a tough game but we have to make sure we can continue our away form so we have to be pleased."
And he adds:
"West Ham's spirit was good as was the way they still play the passing game."
Rio has more than a passing interest in his old club; his brother Anton is a first year pro at Upton Park.
"I always speak to my brother about what is going on and he tells me," says Rio.
"They have got a great chance of doing well under a new manager and a new lease of life, and from what I have seen they will be fine."
In the final 20 minutes of the game, Rio had to look after Jermain Defoe - on the pitch an adversary, but a friend off it.
"It was nice to see him play and it's looks like he has got a good future ahead of him," says Rio.
"It's down to Glenn when he plays, I'm not the manager and don't pick the team.
"But his time will come definitely - he is always likely to come on and score a goal, and it is nice to see people like him get a chance."
He was a little unsure as to why Joe Cole had his effort disallowed early in the second half, and said after the game:
"Was it offside - is that what they called it?"
He then added:
"I think it was a foul but that's the way it goes."
While some journalists wrongly described the sale of Rio Ferdinand as having funded the Dr. Martens stand, he nonetheless appreciates the improved facilities.
Commenting on the developing stadium, he adds:
"The ground was nice and the changing rooms are a lot bigger - when it is finished I'm sure it will be great."
As for England thoughts, he insists he will be fully fit for the Germany game.
Whether he plays alongside Michael Carrick - also included in the full squad, while Joe Cole is, as expected, in the U21s, remains to be seen.
But he says:
"I'm getting stronger with every game, and there are no worries about my physical fitness.
"I'm ready for the World cup game in Germany; The Premiership is a lot quicker and more strenuous than an international, which tends to be played in short bursts - so I have no worries."
Since he was a West Ham player, the manager and team personnel have changed somewhat - but for the better, according to the Hammers' £18m sale to Leeds.
Ironically, he has hinted at a new found resilience under Glenn Roeder, despite the West Ham manager's insistence that things started to go wrong last season after he had departed.
"They were hard to beat and not easy to break down," says Rio of Saturday's 0-0 draw that robbed the Tykes of their 100% record.
"We didn't play as well as we could, but they made it difficult for us," he adds.
And he dismisses claims - such as those in Time Out that the away trip to Derby in just under a fortnight's time will be the first 'six pointer' of the campaign, because, as they put it, it is a relegation clash - that his old club will struggle this season.
"Everyone is shouting about relegation but I don't think they are in danger of that," he says.
"They looked very solid, though it was really only the formation that had changed for them.
"We frustrated them and they frustrated us; it was a tough game but we have to make sure we can continue our away form so we have to be pleased."
And he adds:
"West Ham's spirit was good as was the way they still play the passing game."
Rio has more than a passing interest in his old club; his brother Anton is a first year pro at Upton Park.
"I always speak to my brother about what is going on and he tells me," says Rio.
"They have got a great chance of doing well under a new manager and a new lease of life, and from what I have seen they will be fine."
In the final 20 minutes of the game, Rio had to look after Jermain Defoe - on the pitch an adversary, but a friend off it.
"It was nice to see him play and it's looks like he has got a good future ahead of him," says Rio.
"It's down to Glenn when he plays, I'm not the manager and don't pick the team.
"But his time will come definitely - he is always likely to come on and score a goal, and it is nice to see people like him get a chance."
He was a little unsure as to why Joe Cole had his effort disallowed early in the second half, and said after the game:
"Was it offside - is that what they called it?"
He then added:
"I think it was a foul but that's the way it goes."
While some journalists wrongly described the sale of Rio Ferdinand as having funded the Dr. Martens stand, he nonetheless appreciates the improved facilities.
Commenting on the developing stadium, he adds:
"The ground was nice and the changing rooms are a lot bigger - when it is finished I'm sure it will be great."
As for England thoughts, he insists he will be fully fit for the Germany game.
Whether he plays alongside Michael Carrick - also included in the full squad, while Joe Cole is, as expected, in the U21s, remains to be seen.
But he says:
"I'm getting stronger with every game, and there are no worries about my physical fitness.
"I'm ready for the World cup game in Germany; The Premiership is a lot quicker and more strenuous than an international, which tends to be played in short bursts - so I have no worries."