Although Don is captain of Scotland, and has skippered Everton, both are swift to dismiss the notion that Don has any ambition to wear the armband.
"Paolo is different class to watch, and I can't wait to team up with him," he says.
And Glenn adds:
"Paolo is doing a great job as captain; the reason I signed Don was because I needed a central midfielder after Frank Lampard left."
That is certainly music to Don's ears for, although he has already stated that he is prepared to be flexible, it is no secret that he did not enjoy playing right midfield for Sunderland, as he had to so often last season.
The club captain remains Steve Lomas of course, and he is going through a rehabilitation programme thousands of miles away in Vancouver.
But it will be some time before he is able to prise the captain's arm band back from him, as he will not return to compete in the Hammers' now increased midfield for three months yet.
Don has had a hectic schedule this week, flying from Glasgow to London on Thursday morning following Scotland's World Cup exit against Belgium.
But Don was backing his other boss, Craig Brown, to stay in the job, insisting:
"Craig has done good work for us, always preparing us thoroughly for games.
"He does his homework - and is a great guy.
"But I am disappointed not to be going to Japan this summer."
Don admits most of the personnel have changed since he was last at the club, adding:
"There is only Steve Potts and John Moncur on the playing side, though I kept in touch with Peter Brabrook when I left," he says.
"I hope to be around a bit longer this time, and I am looking forward to the challenge.
"We have got some good players here - and some good youngsters as well - and there is no reason we can't finish high this season.
"I wouldn't have left a club that finished seventh last season if I didn't think we had great potential here.
"It was a great confidence booster to know that Glenn wanted me so much."