West Ham have confirmed Slaven Bilic as their new manager following Sam Allardyce’s exit.

Allardyce left Upton Park at the end of the season after seeing his contract come to an end, as the club opted not to offer the former Bolton and Newcastle boss an extension.

Bilic enjoyed a spell as a player at West Ham before moving to fellow Premier League side Everton and was most recently in charge of Turkish outfit Besiktas.

The 46-year-old also had a frustrating season in charge of Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow but enjoyed reasonable success during a six-year spell in charge of Croatia, helping his country qualify for both Euro 2008 and Euro 2012.

Bilic told the club’s official website: “I’m really glad to be back with West Ham United.

“It’s in the Premier League, which is among the best in the world. 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 – there is something special about them – they are a cult clubs.”

He added: “I would say to the West Ham fans that I will give my best and together we will achieve great things.”

Allardyce came under criticism from a large section of the West Ham fans for what were perceived as negative tactics and Bilic will be tasked with implementing a more attractive, attacking brand of football at Upton Park next season.

The Hammers are 8.00 to be relegated next term.