Premier League

Could Celtic offer shock lifeline to former West Ham manager Slaven Bilic after career low

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Could Scottish giants Celtic be about to hand a career lifeline to beleaguered former West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic?

Bilic’s managerial career has hit a new low.

The Croatian was sacked by West Ham in November 2017 with the club in the relegation zone.

Bilic was replaced by David Moyes who helped lead the Hammers to safety.

Under Bilic West Ham recorded their best ever Premier League points total and first positive goal difference in the top flight since 1986.

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Bilic showed quality in debut Hammers season

He helped the club bid a fitting farewell to their beloved Boleyn Ground. Not just with a season that saw the Hammers finish only four points off Champions League football.

But for the 3-2 comeback win against Manchester United in the last ever game at Upton Park.

Things turned sour with the move to the London Stadium and Bilic lost the dressing room before being shown the door.

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Managerial career hit all-time low

Last September Bilic agreed a three-year-deal with Al-Ittihad, who have won the Saudi Pro League on eight occasions.

But he lasted just six months and was sacked in February with the club second bottom of the league. The club has risen up to 11th since his departure.
His career may be faltering. But Bilic has been put forward as the perfect candidate to take over at Celtic this summer.
Former Bhoys and Hammers star Marc Rieper told The Evening Times Bilic would do a great job at Celtic Park.
“I’ve spoken to him before about Celtic being a massive club and he’s really aware of that,” Rieper told The Evening Times.
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‘Perfect for Celtic, West Ham were premature’

“I think he’d fit the bill there. Slaven would fit in at any club in Europe, I think he’s a really good manager and he’s a really nice person.

“He’s proven himself both in Croatia and in the Premier League. I think West Ham were premature getting rid of him but that’s the way it goes if you lose a few games.

“Slaven’s tremendously passionate about football. I spoke to him a few times when he was at West Ham and Croatia and I think he plays a style of football that would suit Celtic really well.”