West Ham United co-chairman David Gold admits they should've signed another striker last summer.
Gold claims Sam Allardyce's men, only one place above the relegation zone on goal difference, have paid the price for "putting their eggs in one basket".
He said: "I thought we had spent our money wisely.
"Clearly, we should have bought a centre forward. That's my opinion. I'm not overly sure that not bringing in a centre-forward as cover for Andy was the best idea.
"It does mean we put all our eggs in one basket. It is a dangerous thing, not just in football but in life.
"We were concerned about the balance and we have come unstuck.
"But the opportunity to buy Downing at that price was great value for money. It cut deeply into our budget.
"But nobody thought Andy would be injured - and it won't be until the next year before we see him. I'm hugely disappointed with the position we are in.
"No stone will be left unturned to bring in new personnel in January."
