Slaven Bilic named West Brom boss
West Brom have appointed Slaven Bilic as head coach on a two-year-deal.
The Croatian takes over ahead of a second straight season in the Championship, having fallen at the play-off semi-final hurdle last season under Jimmy Shan.
Bilic takes over having departed Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad in February.
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The 50-year-old has experience in England, guiding West Ham to European football during his spell at the club between 2015 and 2017.
"I’m delighted with this opportunity of course." Bilic said.
"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."
Baggies technical director Like Dowling hailed Bilic's enthusiasm, highlighting his excitement about the challenge as a key factor in his appointment.
“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.”
