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West Ham co-owner David Gold claims they would be prepared to sell the club’s leading players if they are relegated.
With three matches of the season remaining, the club currently sit bottom of the Premier League and should the Hammers be demoted, England internationals Scott Parker, Robert Green, Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole would all be expected to depart.
“It’s unfair to tell a player to forego your potential England career to come down and play in the Championship,” said Gold.
He added: “It’s unrealistic to ask an England player to come down and play in the Championship.
“It impacts on his career. Would I try (to prevent it)? Of course, I would try but you would have a one in 10 chance.”
Gold, who has recently been in hospital after contracting cholangitis was ready to take his share of responsibility if the club are relegated.
He said: “Do I blame myself? There is no doubt you end up blaming yourself.
“You go over the decisions you have made and yes, you have to take the blame. At the time you think you have done the best job.
“When the (January transfer) window closed I thought we had done enough.”
