Slaven Bilic became the first Premier League manager to lose his job this season when he was sacked by struggling West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday.
The 52-year-old Croatian’s sacking comes with the side 19th in the table but on the back of an encouraging 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Tuesday.
Bilic had been at the club for only 18 months but had earned the admiration of the fans after leading West Brom to automatic promotion from the Championship last season.
Although results had been generally poor this term Bilic had been given little funding to bring in players in the close season. His budget for transfers was limited to £20 million ($27 million)West Brom have garnered seven points from their 13 matches so far and have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, having conceded 26 goals.
Bilic’s relations with the board appeared tense from the start of the campaign with no discussions talking place about extending or renewing his contract which was due to run out at the end of this season.
“West Bromwich Albion have today parted company with Head Coach Slaven Bilic,” read a club statement.
“Albion would like to thank Slaven and his coaching staff for their efforts in achieving promotion last season and wishes them all well in the future.
“The club will make no further comment at this time.”
Allardyce takes over
Sam Allardyce has been named manager of Premier League strugglers West Brom to replace Slaven Bilic who was sacked earlier on Wednesday (today).
Allardyce who signed an 18-month contract with the Baggies will immediately begin the quest for the revival of the club with a game against Aston Villa on Sunday.
“In Sam, we have a man who has a proven Premier League pedigree with a track record of improving every club he has managed,” Sporting and Technical Director, Luke Dowling, said.
“We believe and, more importantly, Sam believes we have a group of players that have the quality needed to give the club its best chance of Premier League survival.”
Bilic was sacked just hours after drawing 1-1 with Manchester City but with West Brom second from bottom of the table after 13 matches.
While the club described the manager as an “experienced boss,” the Dudley-born coach is returning to the team he started his coach career with more than 30 years ago when he worked with Trian Talbot.
The gaffer with 512 Premier League games to his name arrived The Hawthorns with his long-time assistant, Sammy Lee, the club added.
West Brom is the eight Premier League side that the 66-year-old will be working with after coaching Bolton Wanderers, West Ham United, Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Everton.
