Big Sam steals one of West Ham’s prized assets from under their noses (Pics)

Sam Allardyce has risked the wrath of former club West Ham by swooping for one of their brightest talents.

"We came together and we left together," argues a defiant Big Sam. "The West Ham board were fully aware from the start that we were a package deal." The London club may be furious, but the fact of the matter is that they can do little about it now. Allardyce was snapped posing proudly with his first recruit when announced as the new Sunderland boss... The HP LaserJet Pro 400 has been Big Sam's right-hand printer for over four decades now, and theirs is a partnership that has endured many a high and low over the years. "I don't know what I'd do without HP," admits the rotund manager. "She's my rock and my closest ally. As well as my wife Lynn of course!" The partnership first bloomed when Big Sam was still a player. Here the printer takes a backward step, allowing Allardyce's moustache to take centre-stage... The LaserJet followed Big Sam into management, here seen sharing the limelight at Notts County... Louis van Gaal famous clashed with Allardyce last season over #Printgate, something that the new Sunderland man can look back at and laugh. "The cheek of the man!" exclaims Big Sam. "Did he honestly think he could take us on with his poxy inkjet printouts?! What was he using? A Brother MFC-J870DW?!" The Black Cats' boss does admit the close bond between man and machine hasn't been without its problems. "Of course Lynn gets a little jealous now and again," explains Allardyce. "But as I always explain to her - can she offer me high productivity with great print speeds and professional-quality colour? No. Horses for courses." West Ham's loss seems to be Sunderland's gain - it looks like they've lost two colourful characters in a matter of months!