Former West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has stated that the Hammers were right to turn down the opportunity to sign free agent Joey Barton.

The 32-year-old midfielder, who is without a club after leaving Queens Park Rangers this summer, was reportedly on the verge of moving to Upton Park before West Ham supporters expressed their disappointment at the switch.

West Ham co-chairman David Gold has since confirmed that they will not be signing Barton, and Allardyce has said that this is a good move from the club.

"I don't think you need the added pressure if the fans aren't happy with a player, even as good a player as Joey Barton," Allardyce told talkSPORT.

"I had it when El Hadji Diouf trained with us when I first got there and there was a big reaction against him. You get enough pressure as it is as manager without adding to it yourself.

"So it's probably the right decision in the end, as much as I am disappointed for Joey. We all know he's got the ability to play in the Premier league, he's proven that over the years."

Barton has said that he has "no hard feelings" towards the West Ham supporters.