Former West Ham defender Slaven Bilic will return to the club, subject to a work permit, to take over as their new manager following the departure of Sam Allardyce. 

"I'm really glad to be back with West Ham United," said Bilic. " It's a big challenge and you are competing with the best and what better club to do it with than West Ham. 

"I remember West Ham as a special club.  I love these kinds of special clubs.  My last club, Besiktas, was that kind of club.  It's not about the size - West Ham is big club - there is something special about them - they are a cult club." 

"It is a great place to play and I felt like I was at home.  It is a big privilege and a big responsibility to now be manager and I hope that I will prove it to the board, players and fans."