Bilic beats Bielsa to West Ham post as Croat is named new boss

“I saw their determination and passion that they want to do that. That was the number one reason. I could feel that they really wanted me so it was an easy choice.

“I would say to the West Ham fans that I will give my best and together we will achieve great things.”

Although Bilic spent just one season with the Hammers as a defender, back in the 1996/97 campaign, he is remembered fondly by the fans.

The 46-year-old came to prominence as a head coach during his six-year spell with his national team Croatia, with whom he famously prevented England from qualifying for the 2008 European Championship with.

Prior to that, he highly impressed with Hajduk Split and the Croatia Under-21 team. He has since had less successful spells with Lokomotiv Moscow and, most recently, Besiktas.

West Ham began last season very well and managed to finish mid-table, in 12th, although their form in the second half of the campaign is what led to Allardyce’s departure. They will, however, take part in the Europa League next term after qualifying through Fair Play rules.

Co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan will certainly be hoping that Bilic can help guide them to a more respectable place. A top 10 finish would be a good start, but the Croat can really secure his long-term future at the club by getting higher than ninth for the first time since 2002.

The Hammers, who are set to move from Upton Park to the Olympic Stadium, in 2016 are also said to be tracking the likes of players Pedro Obiang of Sampdoria and Marseille’s Andre Ayew, who is available for free.