What happens now at relegated West Ham?

West Ham’s Europa Conference League triumph ended a 40-year trophy wait and initially suggested a new era after the 2016 move from Upton Park to London Stadium. Relegation has brought criticism from fans and concern about the club’s future, even as it reduces the amount West Ham must pay to use the 62,500-seat arena. In the final Premier League match against Leeds, West Ham needed a win and results elsewhere to stay up, and fans largely accepted relegation before kickoff. After taking the lead, angry chants targeted chairman Sullivan, blamed for the club’s current situation. Sullivan has previously overseen promotion after relegation at Birmingham and West Ham, including bringing in Sam Allardyce to return via the play-offs.

"The 2-1 win over Fiorentina in Prague ended a 40-year wait for a trophy and seemed to herald the dawn of a new era at a club that had been beset by argument and rancour following their controversial move from Upton Park to London Stadium in 2016. Ironically, a reduction in the amount West Ham must pay to play at the 62,500 arena in Stratford - London Mayor Sadiq Khan estimates the saving at 2.5m - is one of the benefits of relegation. In the scheme of things, it is a drop in the ocean."

"West Ham's exit from the Premier League after 14 years comes with a huge amount of criticism from fans, as well as uncertainty and concern for the future. West Ham were always up against it going in Sunday's final game against Leeds in which they needed to win and hope Everton won at Tottenham if they were to stay up. Consequently there was an air of acceptance of their fate among the fans in the hours before kick-off, as they instead opted to enjoy the blistering heat rather than mull over a campaign of disappointment."

"But the frustrations came after West Ham took the lead against Leeds midway through the second half, as fans directed angry chants towards chairman Sullivan, who many blame for West Ham's current plight. In terms of where West Ham find themselves now, though, he can call on positive experiences when it comes to plotting an immediate top-flight return. He did it twice during his time at Birmingham, in 2007 and 2009, and again with West Ham in 2012."

"On the first two occasions, at St Andrew's, Sullivan was rewarded for sticking with the managers who presided over relegation - Steve Bruce and Alex McLeish. At West Ham, he brought in Sam Allardyce, who guided the club back to the Premier League via the play-offs. This is a different West Ham, though. Sul"

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