... Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe during the summer.
The 52-year-old told the Northern Echo: "I worked with Jermain at West Ham and I think that he is a fantastic player. When the ball comes into him, whether it is left foot, right foot, he is hugely effective.
"He's also good in the air for a fairly small fella. He's a terrific player, but really and truly, I do not think he would come to this football club.
"There was a little bit of interest from us in the summer, but he is a Spurs player and I that think he is doing a good job there. Whenever he is called upon, he scores, so I would not be surprised if they start him on Sunday."