Slaven Bilic had a really special connection with West Ham United fan. he arrived as a player back in 96 for a record club fee £1.3m. What’s interesting is that he showed loyalty by staying with the club to ensure they didn’t get relegated. But his story with West Ham doesn’t end there. He returned as a manager in 2015 and led the team to some memorable victories, making him a true cult hero.
Slaven Bilic Playing Career at West Ham
Ah, let me take you back to the footballing nostalgia of 96 when Slaven Bilic made a grand entrance at West Ham United. Picture this: Bilic, a Croatian footballing maestro, arrived at West Ham, and it was nothing short of a sensation. West Ham fans were buzzing with excitement having paid £1.3m for him a club record fee at the time.
Bilic wasn’t just any defender, he had finesse and power rolled into one. He not only defended with grit but had a knack for scoring those crucial goals. One of his standout moments was a goal he scored against Liverpool. It was one of those jaw-dropping moments when he showcased his heading prowess. The ball was whipped in from the side and he jumped and headed it into the net. The crowd erupted in cheers, and that goal went down in West Ham’s history books. He was a leader on the pitch, a rock in the defence. His tackles were timed to perfection, and he had this uncanny ability to read the game. Bilić was always there with an important tackle, interception or a foul that can get the fan up on their feet or rile up the West Ham fans.
It wasnt just about his abiltiy or shithousery, back in the 96-97 season, when West Ham was facing relegation, Bilic stayed put. He could of move to Everton for £4.5m, but he chose to stay at West Ham to help and fight to stay in the Premier League and avoid relegation, he managed to keep West Ham safe 2 points above relegation places finishing 14th, you dont get that loyalty these days.
Coming back to West Ham as manager
Slaven Bilic came home as a manager back in 2015 replacing Alan Curbishley, Bilic was back where he belonged.
And boy, did he make an impact! West Ham, under his leadership, achieved some memorable victories against the top dogs of the Premier League. Slaven best and memorable moments was when West Ham beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium. The fans were over the moon, and it was clear that Bilic had something special brewing.
But the real magic happened during his first season as manager. West Ham broke records left, right, and centre. Under Slaven they managed the highest points tally and scored the most goals in a season.
However, like every good story, there were challenges. The acrimonious departure of star player Dimitri Payet cast a shadow over Bilic’s reign. It was a tough blow, but Bilic soldiered on. Despite the obstacles, his legacy at West Ham as a manager was etched in history, and fans will forever cherish those remarkable moments.
Frank Lampard held Slaven Bilic in high regard during their time at West Ham United. Lampard admired Bilic’s “sizeable personality” and appreciated his unique ability to connect with players both on and off the pitch. Bilic’s close rapport with his players, akin to family, was a standout quality that inspired them to give their all. This personal touch, in the modern game, made Bilic a true cult hero at West Ham.
Catch you in the next one.