What happens now at relegated West Ham?

It is not yet three full years since an estimated 70,000 ecstatic fans turned out to acclaim West Ham 's jubilant squad as they arrived back in east London with the Europa Conference League trophy. 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

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. "Ultimately, we have not repaid that support," said a club statement hours after relegation. "The plain truth is that we have not been good enough. We must now face the consequences of that failure with honesty, transparency and a determination to repair, refocus and rebuild." 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 David Sullivan, who many blame for West Ham 's current plight. In terms of where West Ham find themselves now, though, Sullivan 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.

Key points

• 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.
• "Ultimately, we have not repaid that support," said a club statement hours after relegation.
• "The plain truth is that we have not been good enough.
• We must now face the consequences of that failure with honesty, transparency and a determination to repair, refocus and rebuild." West Ham were always up against it going in Sunday's final game aga…