The Hammers are bottom of the Premier League and last weekend's defeat to Liverpool demonstrated their struggles as they shipped in three goals without reply in the Anfield contest. With 25 goals already conceded this term, the second worst in the division, the Hammers have turned to Downes to shore up the east Londoners' backline. The 49-year-old knows he has his work cut out at Upton Park but insists he is up for the task. He told The London Evening Standard: "It's an honour to be asked to help out such a good club. I'll do my best to help lift them out of the relegation area." Saturday's dire 3-0 loss at Liverpool leaves West Ham five points adrift from safety and the club have since sacked Avram Grant's number two, Zeljko Petrovic. But rather than name a replacement they are looking to bolster the back-room team with a number of appointments including the likes of Downes. The former Brentford manager is set to be joined in the next few weeks by a striking coach, with Paolo Di Canio, John Hartson and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink among the candidates.
