"I definitely feel West Ham are a far bigger club than Reading," he says, "and if you want to go to the top in management it is probably one of the best six or seven jobs about - so I don't think he will have had any second thoughts about it at all.
"I know he is ambitious but it will be very difficult to get a better club than West Ham.
"All his efforts will be concentrated on getting West Ham up into the top flight and when we get there, staying there.
"It would be an achievement to get up and stay there for two or three seasons."
With the playing staff being remodelled, as it were, in Alan's own image, Tony says patience is still required - mixed with impatience!
"At last the side is being shaped for him now and he is getting players that he wants in the side, so he can't have any grumbles and I am sure he is loving the job," says Tony, who is commentating on the game on Sky.
"You have to give players time to settle, there is no doubt about that, and quite a few of them are youngsters as well so you have to give the a bit more time adjust.
"But we are in a rush and the longer we stay in the first division the more likely it is for us to become a first division club.
"We have to try and get back there this season and if not, the next season at the very latest.
"I like the signings that Alan has made so far.
"I think, if you are talking about getting back into the Premiership, he is going to have to sign different players - more proven ones with a bit more experience.
"But in the first division I think his transfer dealings have been good up to now."