Bilic takes Championship post

  • by Staff Writer
  • Thursday, 13th June 2019

Former Hammers boss Slaven Bilic has returned to English football - as manager of Championship side West Bromwich Albion.

Bilic - who was in charge at West Ham for two-and-a-half years between 2015 and 2017 - was officially appointed as the new Baggies coach on Thursday morning, nearly two years after he was dismissed by West Ham.

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"I’m delighted with this opportunity," said Bilic. "We want to improve, we want to improve on the pitch and Albion have convinced me they want to return to the Premier League.

"Albion have a short-term project and a long project and they do not clash. They wanted me to lead them, to help improve them. They made it clear they wanted me to be the one to lead them in this and I didn’t think twice once they had spoken to me."

Meanwhile Albion Technical Director Luke Dowling added: "We had the opportunity to ensure we conducted a wide range of interviews and were determined to take it.

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"From the moment we spoke to Slaven, we were struck by his enthusiasm and excitement about this challenge. He is determined to get back to the Premier League and believes passionately that he can do that with Albion.

“We believe he is a great ‘fit’ for us - his presence, experience and management qualities are just what we need."

News of Bilic's arrival has also been broadly welcomed in the Midlands. "Very happy and looking forward to some 'rock’n’roll' football," wrote Albion fan saml30 on the westbrom.com Forum - whilst fellow supporter TiptonThrostle added: "I'm really excited about this appointment. "

KUMB.com would like to wish Slaven the very best of luck in his new role.

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