West Ham ‘considering Slaven Bilic appointment’ after Nuno Espirito Santo sack news
West Ham will consider Slaven Bilic among their options to replace Nuno Espirito Santo if they decide to part ways with their current boss.
That is according to former West Ham and Man United senior scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected at his previous clubs, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 57-year-old remains highly thought-of at the London Stadium.
Brown told Football Insider on 30 December that West Ham are unlikely to sack Nuno as things stand, and hope to stick with him for the remainder of the season.
However, there are growing concerns following West Ham’s 2-2 draw with Brighton last time out as they are now winless in eight games amid a battle against relegation.
Should results fail to improve and the board deem it necessary amid fan pressure, Nuno could be sacked, and Bilic would be available to step straight in.
Slaven Bilic remains on West Ham’s radar
Football Insider revealed in September that Bilic had been considered to replace Graham Potter at the London Stadium before they pushed forward with Nuno’s appointment.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience working closely alongside top-level managers including Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes at Man United and West Ham respectively, insisted the former Hammers boss is still an option.
“I hear Slaven Bilic is still one they could look at,” he told Football Insider.
“The owners still like him and he was popular with the fans during his time at the club, so from that perspective it might make sense.
“He’s available as well, so if they needed somebody to step straight in, he would be the one.
“But I must say again, if they think sacking the manager will solve their problems, I’ve got news for them.
“They brought in Lopetegui then decided he wasn’t good enough, so brought in Potter and made the same decision, now Nuno is struggling too.
“It’s becoming clear to everybody on the outside that the manager, whoever it is, is not the problem there, but I don’t know if they can see that.“
Sacking Nuno Espirito Santo will not solve West Ham’s issues
Brown warned Football Insider on 2 January that West Ham cannot solve their problems by sacking Nuno, as the issues run deeper than just the manager.
Their recent recruitment and the players available to Nuno have both been criticised, with it becoming clear that the club’s planning has not been good enough.
The Hammers remain 18th in the Premier League, and there are deeper problems which are influencing their drop off aside from the manager.
Brown told Football Insider on 21 December that West Ham are at risk of being relegated due to their inability to grind out wins since Nuno’s arrival.
However, the manager’s influence is just part of what has become a difficult situation at West Ham both on the pitch and behind the scenes.
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