West Brom boss Slaven Bilic inspires Croatian fans group
Slaven Bilic’s appointment has inspired two Albion fans to set up a Croatian supporters group – who have incredibly handed out a free trip to Dubrovnik to show off the country.
David Djalilian and Dan Butigan, both 26, went to school together in Oldbury, but Dan’s family are Croatian.
They have followed Bilic’s career ever since he was a player and travelled to both Euro 2008 and Euro 2012 when he was Croatia manager.
At the start of this week they set up a Croatian supporters group and have already attracted more than 1,100 followers.
The response amazed them so much Dan offered a five-night stay in Dubrovnik at an apartment to one lucky fan who helped spread the word.
“I’ve got a bit of flak for it, I knew I would,” said Dan, whose Croatian family have vowed to get season tickets at The Hawthorns following Bilic’s appointment.
“I’m not doing it for any self benefit, it’s to show off the country and celebrate the fact that Bilic has come. We want to create a bond between the fans and Croatia.”
Dan is ‘over the moon’ Albion have appointed Bilic, who he had initially hoped might take over from Tony Pulis two years ago.
“It’s my two big loves combining,” he said. “It’s the stuff of dreams. Let’s hope it’s not over in three months!
“Do I think he’s a good manager? Yes. Will he do a good job? That’s dependent on a whole load of factors.
“But he’s very motivational and inspiring. I’ve met him a few times.
“You saw the real Bilic in his first season at West Ham. After that he was dealt a bad hand with the stadium move and troublesome players.”
Albion already have a couple of high-profile Croatian fans.
Not only is former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic a Baggie, but so is television and radio presenter Adrian Chiles, whose mother is Croatian. “It’s ever so strange,” admitted Dan.
The pair behind Croatian Baggies are hoping to meet Bilic at some point this summer, but it’s not the first time they’ve tried to get in contact.
When he was West Ham manager they wrote a six-page letter to him, and were delighted to receive a 1998 Hammers shirt with his name on the back plus some signed photos in response.
“He’s honest,” said Dave. “I think too many managers look at the business side of things, he admitted at West Ham that the owners had thrown him under the bus.
“His passion is something the club has lacked massively. Since Paul Scharner was there, I don’t think anybody has been so outspoken. We’ve missed that character.”
You can follow Dan and Dave at @CroatianBaggies on Twitter.
