June 13, 2019 – Slaven Bilic is back in English football, having just been appointed the new head coach of West Bromwich Albion, according to a club statement.
Bilic, the former Everton centre-half and manager of West Ham United, takes over the Midlands club shortly after their playoff heartache, losing to local rivals Aston Villa in the Championship playoff final at Wembley.
“I’m delighted with this opportunity of course. “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.”
Technical Director 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.”
