David Moyes is reportedly nearing a return to management with Ligue 1 side Nantes, but one former West Ham manager who is now back in the dugout is Moyes’ predecessor at the Irons, Slaven Bilic.
Bilic spent just over two years in charge of the Hammers before he was sacked last November following a 4-1 thrashing but Liverpool.
The Croatian has since been linked with a return to England, with a number of Premier League and Championship clubs, but after 10 months away from the touchline he has now, perhaps surprisingly, decided that the next step in his managerial career is not in Europe, but Saudi Arabia.
Bilic, 50, has penned a three-year deal with Al-Ittihad who have endured a disappointing start to the new Saudi Pro League season, having lost three of their opening four matches, with Argentine coach Ramon Diaz sent packing after only two games.
In a statement Al-Ittihad said:
The Al-Ittihad board has signed a contract with international Croatian coach Slaven Bilic, thanks to the support of Turki Al-Asheikh, chairman of the board, general sports authority, who was present during the signing ceremony.
Bilic will train Al-Ittihad for three seasons. The contract was signed in New York. The board wishes Bilic all success in his new mission to help Al-Ittihad regain its outstanding performance.
In his first season at West Ham Bilic led the club to 7th in the Premier League, then 11th in 2016/17, however he was axed nearly a year ago with the Hammers struggling down in 18th.
Bilic has previously managed Besiktas, Lokomotiv Moscow, Croatia, the country’s U21s and domestic side HNK Hajduk Split where he started his managerial career back in 2001.
