by Our Sports Desk

SLAVEN BILIC was adamant yesterday that West Ham are on the rise after agreeing to become their new manager.

Sam Allardyce was relieved of his duties minutes after their final game of the season against Newcastle and Bilic, who spent 18 months at the Hammers, has been tasked with overseeing the transition into the Olympic Stadium.

“I am really glad to be back with West Ham United,” said Bilic. “It is 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 — West Ham is big club — there is something special about them — they are a cult club.

“It is a great place to play and I felt like I was at home. It is a big privilege and a big responsibility to now be manager and I hope that I will prove it to the board, players and fans.

“My first priority when choosing a club is to look at its ambitions. When I spoke to the chairmen and (vice-chair) Karren Brady, they made clear that it is not only the fantastic new stadium we are moving into, but they showed their determination and ambition to make what is a big club even bigger.

“I saw their determination and passion that they want to do that. That was the number one reason. I could feel that they really wanted me so it was an easy choice.

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

Bilic will have to get to work quickly, with the club qualifying for the Europa League and to play their first match on July 2.