West Ham United winger Stewart Downing has praised manager Sam Allardyce for keeping the team positive during their battle against relegation.
The Hammers are currently one point adrift of safety in the Premier League table following six defeats from their last nine matches.
Despite their disappointing campaign so far, Downing credits Allardyce for giving the players belief that they can get out of trouble.
"He's good around the players day-to-day. Sometimes you can be a bit flat after a disappointing result, but he's good at lifting you," Downing told the club's official website.
"He tells you what needs to be told when you've been disappointing, but also when you do well he'll put his arm around you. He's good like that - a good man manager."
West Ham continue their Premier League campaign tonight (Wednesday) when they travel to London rivals Chelsea.
