The Irons finally announce new boss to the fans
Former West Ham United player Slaven Bilic has today been unveiled as the new manager of the East London club.
The club made their intentions clear that they wanted a new manager, after telling Sam Allardyce that his contract at the club won’t be renewed.
The Hammers will start next year’s 2015/2016 Premier League campaign at their new Olympic Stadium home, after winning the recent bid.
However, West Ham chairman David Gold, co-chairman David Sullivan and vice-chairman Karen Brady have wanted to take a new approach to their football.
They believe Bilic can bring attractive, winning football that would be suitable and appropriate for their new ground at the Olympic Park.
Impressive managerial record
As a player, Bilic was a defender and played for West Ham at Upton Park between 1996-1997. He also represented his national team Croatia on several occasions.
Since retiring in 2001, the Croat has taken up his place in the world of football management and has a very respectable and impressive managerial record.
He has managed Hajduk Split, Croatia Under 21’s, Croatia, Lokomotiv Moscow and Besiktas with an average win percentage of 55.16%.
This includes an impressive 64.62% win percentage as head coach of the Croatia national team between 2006-2012, where Bilic guided them to qualification for Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
Bilic fought off competition
It is believed the 46-year old Bilic fought off competition from Marcelo Bielsa, who was another candidate for the job. Despite this, West Ham chairman David Gold believes Bilic is the right man to take the club forward.
When speaking to the Daily Mail, Gold said: “Having Premier League experience – that doesn’t mean English Premier League – that means a man who has managed successfully in the Italian league, Spanish league, the German league or a major league in the world.”
By Kieran Makin
Twitter: @kieranmaksports
