Slaven Bilic: West Bromwich Albion name ex-West Ham manager as head coach
Last updated on .From the section West Brom
West Bromwich Albion have appointed Slaven Bilic as their new head coach on a two-year contract.
Bilic, 50, has not managed in England since being dismissed by West Ham in 2017, and he has agreed a two-year contract at The Hawthorns.
He succeeds Darren Moore, who was sacked in March with Albion fourth in the Championship table.
Coach Jimmy Shan led the Baggies to the play-offs, but they were beaten by Aston Villa in the semi-finals.
"From the moment we spoke to Slaven, we were struck by his enthusiasm and excitement about this challenge," said Baggies technical director Luke Dowling.
"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."
Bilic back in management
Former West Ham United and Everton defender Bilic spent six years in charge of Croatia between 2006 and 2012, leading his country to two European Championships.
He has also had spells in charge of Hajduk Split, Lokomotiv Moscow and Besiktas.
He joined the Hammers as boss in the summer of 2015 and led the east London club to seventh place in his first season, and 11th in 2016-17.
After being sacked in November 2017, his most recent club role, with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, lasted just five months.
"We want to improve on the pitch," said Bilic. "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 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."
Analysis
BBC WM's Rob Gurney
After what has felt like a painstaking search, lasting more than three months, to replace Darren Moore, Slaven Bilic now faces the task of galvanising the Baggies for a second season in the Championship.
His charisma and passion could be a big asset to unite a fractured fanbase at The Hawthorns.
But, with instructions to reduce the wage bill from chief executive Mark Jenkins, Bilic will need to wheel and deal in a hectic couple of months before the start of next season, to make his appointment a successful one.
The squad he's currently got reports back for pre-season training a week on Monday, but is likely to have a very different look by the time the new campaign starts on the Third of August.
Comments
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4 minutes ago
West Brom and Brighton two clubs I'll never support because they are racist ....sacking black managers is racist end of!!!
What about clubs who have never appointed a black manager don't you support them either, are they racist???
With that said, I think Darren Moore's dismissal was harsh given the circumstances. That's history though and I wish Bilic well.
Did the ownership expect automatic promotion and felt he was failing? Or something else behind the scenes?
Seemed to be a universally liked figure. Never really understood why he'd be sacked.
Horrendous injuries & some questionable signings the following year didn't help but all in all its a good appointment.
"it might be a while before you are playing Villa again in a league game! "
5th in the Championship, needed ET & penalties against a toothless 10 man WBA in the Mickey Mouse Play Off's.
FIVE loan players & that was the best you could do. You wouldn't have reached mid table without them.
It'll be one season before you are playing them in the league again & not the PL.
Think Hughton may have better experience following his time with Brighton in terms of Championship and promotion challenge.
But, I'm satisfied enough with this and let's see how it goes!
should *have stuck with darren moore and would *have been promoted.
He does have charisma and charm, and would be an asset in the championship. Good luck to him
Or alternatively, maybe it was just as simple as the clubs deemed that the individuals concerned just weren't good enough to deliver on their aspirations. Therefore the excuse of racism (which far too many "politically-correct" people seem to throw around like confetti these days) would have absolutely nothing to do with it.
Ermm yes "MM Play Off's" - A money spinning sideshow to drag out the season.
3rd placed team in the actual league table should be promoted (not a Leeds fan) simple as.
Villa have been light years from Automatic Promotion every season & your owners have done nothing to build a decent team you can call your own down there.
Not "psychic" & don't need to be on this.
Damned if you, damned if you don't.