Reaction to Slaven Bilic’s appointment as West Ham’s 15th permanent manager
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble is excited about Slaven Bilic’s appointment and believes he can ensure the club have a memorable last campaign at Upton Park.
Croatian Bilic was the favourite to replace Sam Allardyce and was finally confirmed as the club’s 15th permanent boss this week.
And Noble, currently West Ham’s longest-serving player (321 appearances), is sure the former Besiktas boss can inspire success at the Boleyn.
“After four good seasons with Sam Allardyce, who has put the club in a strong position to move forward, the appointment of Slaven is exciting for everyone,” Noble told the official club website.
“I’m sure all West Ham fans are looking forward to having one last memorable season at Upton Park, so we need your support more than ever this year.”
Joint-chairman David Sullivan echoed those sentiments by revealing his delight at having hired a manager who understands the Upton Park club.
“We have taken a man who understands the West Ham Way,” Sullivan told the official club website.
“It is important how we play and that the players play with passion. I think he will bring a few of the West Ham legends to be part of his entourage and I think that is very good because it strengthens the bond with the supporters.
“He will take us into the Olympic Stadium and I think he will be here for a long time.”
Sullivan believes they have appointed a manager that the supporters wanted. He also admitted he was impressed with Bilic’s knowledge when they interviewed him for the job.
“We all want to pull together as a family and it is fantastic that we have someone who understands that,” he added.
“We have appointed a manager that we know the supporters wanted. He has a desire to win and I love managers who show they are part of the club.
“Slaven is a very commanding individual and has watched a lot of English football. He knew our players and came very well prepared for the interview. He knew the players he liked and the positions he wants to strengthen.
“We know it’s a three-year project and said we would love to be in the top eight this season and do well in a cup competition.”
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