Saturday 23 May 2015 07:49, UK
Stewart Downing insisted West Ham United will not take it easy at Newcastle United on Survival Sunday as they bid to end the season on a high.
In an interview with Sunday’s Soccer Special, the former Liverpool winger reflected on the Hammers' season, which started promisingly but faded as the campaign wore on.
West Ham looked to be on course for a top-seven finish after an impressive first half of the season, but a run of just two wins in 15 league games ended such hopes.
European qualification is still possible via the Fair Play Table, but Downing is not focusing on anything other than possibly earning the win that relegates Newcastle on Sunday, should Hull beat Manchester United.
“We need to get a good result against Newcastle”, Downing said.
“Obviously, they’re fighting for their lives and it’ll be a tough game for us, but as the manager stresses, we need to finish well and let everyone know that we’re still fighting to get in the top ten, which was the aim at the start of the season.
“I still think we should have got into Europe [via the league] and that’s disappointing but obviously we can still get in through the Fair Play League.
“We need to finish strong, get a good result and I’m confident we’ll get a win at Newcastle."
It has been a difficult season for Newcastle fans on and off the pitch, and should West Ham take the lead at St James’ Park, Downing is fully aware of how the terraces will react.
“It will be difficult for the new players," he added. "Obviously, I’ve played there before and if we score first, the fans will get on their backs. We have to capitalise on that and I think we’ll get the result.
“I am surprised; it’s a massive club, isn’t it? It’s been disappointing for them. The run where they lost a lot of games has obviously affected them. Carver has gone in there trying to do a good job, but it’s been difficult for him.
“But we have to think about ourselves and win the game.”
Watch the full interview with Stewart Downing on Soccer Special from 12pm on Sky Sports News HQ and Sky Sports 5 on Sunday.
