Former West Ham defender Neil Razor Ruddock has questioned the decision making at the club this summer.

The former Liverpool player, who joined out Hammers back in 1998, still hold the club close to his heart and was delighted with the performance and result at Newcastle on Monday night.

“That was another interesting game,” Razor told 10bet. “No one expected West Ham to go up there and turn Newcastle over, but they did, and it was a great performance. The gaffer, Julen Lopetegui, he’s under a lot of strain. Now Eddie Howe is probably going to be a manager under a bit of pressure. England could maybe have got him for nothing if he keep this up. It’s a strange old game, isn’t it? It’s an important time now for West Ham. It’s not only the manager, but the players are also getting a lot of stick from West Ham fans now.

“I think West Ham are one of the teams that need a good three or four games. They need 10 points in December to get themselves out of this mess. It’s a tough time for a lot of teams, but West Ham are one of teams that have been so disappointing this season. Everyone expected them to kick on and be in the top eight, and they haven’t been up there once.”

Ruddock though did not old back on his views of appointing Julen Lopetegui as Head Coach in the summer, as he replaced David Moyes with much expectation to take the club forward.

“That was another strange one,” said Ruddock. “I thought it was an odd appointment, Julen Lopetgui. All you hear about him is that he’s a quitter and that. He walked out on Wolves, he had some issues with Spain when he agreed to join Real Madrid, and that move didn’t work out for him either.

“The one thing I will say is that he’s certainly looking a lot older since he took on the West Ham job. He doesn’t look like he’s enjoying himself, his hair is all over the shops. I think he’s feeling under pressure, but good luck to him. I want West Ham to do well, so I want him to do well.”

Razor also gave his thoughts on summer signing Jean-Clair Todibo, who he feels will become a hugely important figure at the club as he continues to grow and establish himself in east London.

“I’m confident that Jean Clair Todibo will come good,” added Ruddock. “He joined the club with great pedigree, Manchester United wanted to sign him in the summer, and he joined with a big reputation. He’s had a difficult start, but he’s not the only West Ham player that has underperformed this season. I think it’s a confidence thing with Jean Clair Todibo.

“If you’re playing in a team that’s winning and is confident, you’re performance looks more accomplished and assured. You just go out and you know you’re going to play well. That hasn’t happened at West Ham too often this season, and when the players around you aren’t playing that well, you’re confidence drops even further and get a few rumbles in the crowd. That has got to be tough for somebody coming to a new team.

“I’m sure it’ll be all right. Time will tell. It’s tough division to play in. You can’t just reply on your ability as a player, you’ve got to work hard, you’ve got to work for the team, you’ve got to do the ugly stuff well as well. It’s tough coming here from France, but I’m sure he and West Ham will be alright, just give them time.”