Allardyce out to show Fergie Jnr who's the daddy

Sam Allardyce knows Sir Alex Ferguson will be giving advice to only one manager today – and it will not be to him.

Fergie’s son Darren takes Peterborough to Upton Park to face a Hammers side unbeaten in six ­Championship games under Allardyce.

And even though Allardyce and Sir Alex are old pals, the Irons boss knows blood is thicker than their shared love of red wine.

“My friendship with Alex goes back a long way and it has been a pleasure to see Darren develop as a manager,” said Allardyce, who beat Ferguson Jnr in their first ever meeting - in the Carling Cup at ­Blackburn.

“It’s a difficult scenario to live with a famous father, but I’m sure it drives him on to be as good as his dad. I certainly strive to be as good as Sir Alex Ferguson because you should set your standards high and try your best to achieve them and keep improving.

“He undoubtedly has the same mentality as his father and a lot of the same genes. I don’t think that fazes Darren and he always knows he has the support and advice from his dad when he needs it.

“There’s no better advice from a manager than Sir Alex Ferguson.

“There can be some lonely times when you sit behind a desk but to be able to pick up the phone to an ­experienced manager has always been crucial for me.

“It’s a good thing to have in the darker times of management when things aren’t quite going for you as you would like.

“I don’t know if Darren has asked Sir Alex about facing me, but I’m not expecting a call from Sir Alex and I wouldn’t take it if he rang me – he won’t be supporting me, that is for sure!”

Allardyce must decide whether to switch to a 4-4-2 formation to include striker Sam Baldock and start with David Bentley.

The on-loan midfielder has impressed in his two ­appearances from the bench.

“He gives me a nice ­selection scenario,” said Allardyce. “I’m certain somewhere along the line we’ll get to 4-4-2, but at the moment we’re ticking away very nicely on an unbeaten run playing 4-3-3.”