Slaven Bilic has been named the new West Brom manager.
The ex-Croatia international has agreed on a two-year contract and will set to work immediately on Albion’s Sky Bet Championship challenge for 2019/20
Delighted
Bilic said: “I’m delighted with this opportunity of course.
“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."
The former Croatia and West Ham boss takes over from caretaker manager James Shan, who took charge during the season. The Baggies finished fourth in the Championship last year. Shan replaced Darren Walker who lasted less than a year in the role. Under Shan the Baggies won seven of their 13 games under his charge. Shan was previously in charge of the club's under-23 side.
West Brom missed out on promotion to the Premier League after west midlands neighbours Aston Villa beat them on penalties in the play-off semi-finals.
Return
Bilic makes the move back to England having spent last season in charge of Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad club based in Jeddah.
It's a return to England for Bilic who played at West Ham and Everton in the late '90s. Bilic managed West Ham from the start of the 2015 season through to November 2017 when he was sacked after a poor run of form.
Great Fit
Technical Director at West Brom Luke Dowling said: “We had the opportunity to ensure we conducted a wide range of interviews and were determined to take it.
“We have spoken to some outstanding candidates and I would like to thank them for their interest in the post.
“But 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.”
