West Ham United midfielder Stewart Downing has said that he expects a busy summer at Upton Park following the departure of manager Sam Allardyce after the conclusion of the current campaign.
The Hammers had started the season well under the 60-year-old and were among the European places through large stretches of last year, but their season came unstuck since the turn of the year and they eventually finished 12th in the league standings.
A new manager is yet to be confirmed amidst reports of former Hammer Slaven Bilic being the frontrunner to occupy the hot seat at Upton Park this season.
And Downing, who has enjoyed a successful league season, contributing six goals and eight assists to the Hammers’ cause, believes that whoever takes up the reins at the club, significant changes in personnel can be expected this summer.
“Whoever comes in has obviously got really good players and we’ve proved this season that we can mix it with the best”, the midfielder told West Ham TV, before explaining changes are only to be expected.
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“I’m sure there will be a lot of changes in the summer.
“Sam Allardyce and his backroom will go, so there is going to be a whole new management side with new ideas.
“I’m guessing there will be new players coming in because there will be people leaving who are out of contract etcetera, so there will be a lot of changes for what is a big season for us ahead of going to the Olympic Stadium the year after.
“We need to start it well.”
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