The players were controlled by Iranian-born businessman Kia Joorabchian, who is now considering making a takeover bid for the club.

Pardew, who has vowed to “protect the integrity of the club“, insists West Ham must move with the times.

The whole situation makes O’Neill instinctively uncomfortable – but he agrees with Pardew.

“I am a bit of a traditionalist so I am slightly concerned about clubs not owning players but that doesn't stop me from being envious,” said O’Neill.

“It really is genuinely great news for West Ham. There was more than a tinge of envy from a number of managers in the Premier League that they were able to get a deal like that. When they are both fit they will be a big acquisition. It is really bold and it’s great news. I don’t know the ins and outs of it but it is above board, it is fine.”

O’Neill splashed out £6.5m (€9.6m) on Stiliyan Petrov – who marked his own Premiership debut with a man-of-the-match performance in the 1-1 draw at West Ham yesterday – but failed in his bid to sign James Milner from Newcastle.

Villa are short on numbers and it is a concern to O’Neill but they remain unbeaten under their new manager and probably deserved to take all three points at Upton Park.

“We haven’t got the largest squad in the world and it might affect us later on,” said O’Neill.

“It is going to be a long four months (until the transfer window) and that is a worry. We were close to getting James Milner but it was Newcastle’s prerogative to recall him and that was a wee bit disappointing.”

Liam Ridgewell put Villa into the lead after just four minutes and they almost took further advantage of some indecisive West Ham defending.

Juan Pablo Angel twice hit the bar with headers as West Ham struggled under the high ball. Gareth Barry and Petrov were particularly effective.

Tevez made his debut as a second-half substitute after local boy Bobby Zamora had drawn West Ham level with his fifth goal in four games.

Even then, West Ham required two goalline clearances – one an acrobatic effort from Tyrone Mears after Petrov had lobbed Roy Carroll – to secure a point.

O’Neill said: “I was delighted with Petrov. He was outstanding today. With the number of chances we created, the great chances, there is genuine disappointment in the dressing room. These were two points dropped by us. We just couldn’t kill the game off.”

Tevez needs to improve his fitness but he showed flashes of what the Premiership can expect for the rest of the season as he ran at the Villa defence.

West Ham now turn their attentions to Thursday night’s UEFA Cup first round, first leg tie against Palermo at Upton Park.