Tuesday, 23rd September, 2014
West Ham winger Stewart Downing believes that the competitive atmosphere prevalent at Upton Park this year is a good thing for his team.
The Hammers had a busy summer transfer window and have added players such as Diafra Sakho, Morgan Amalfitano and Enner Valencia to provide the team with more attacking strength this term.
And with the likes of Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll set to return from injury during the season, Downing believes that the competition for places is going to become even more tough.
"Competition for places is definitely a good thing", Downing told his club's official site.
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Drawing reference from last season, when they didn't have enough players in the squad and thus were forced to accommodate players not performing at the highest level, Downing added that now the manager has more options and that is going to help the team.
"Last year even if you weren't playing well you got into the team because we didn't have enough players.
"But now the manager will be having headaches picking the team, I'm sure he'll like that.
"We've got more options on the bench. You saw Morgan come off the bench, he's come here to play. We've got Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll to come back still.
"The manager has said before, the team picks itself. If you're doing well you'll stay in the team and if not then you'll be out."
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