When Nuno Espírito Santo was appointed West Ham United manager in September, few realised just how different things might have been.
The Portuguese coach took over following Graham Potter’s poor start to the season — just one win from his opening eight Premier League games — and has since steadied the ship, guiding the Hammers to back-to-back victories over Newcastle United and Burnley.
However, it turns out Nuno wasn’t the only name seriously considered for the job.
Bilic: “I Was Close…”
Slaven Bilic. (Reuters/Tony O'Brien)
Slaven Bilic. (Reuters/Tony O’Brien)
Former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has revealed that he came close to returning to the club before Nuno was appointed.
The Croatian, who played for West Ham between 1996 and 1997 and later managed the side from 2015 to 2017, remains a popular figure among fans after leading the team to a memorable seventh-place finish in the final season at Upton Park.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Bilic confirmed that discussions had taken place about a sensational return to east London.
“There was a bit, yeah, there was a bit,” Bilic admitted when asked about a potential comeback.
“I was close or whatever, but I didn’t get the job. They got Nuno, who was a top manager and who’d done a great job at Wolves, not to mention Forest.”
Despite missing out, Bilic was full of praise for his successor, adding: “He is a top manager and I think they’re gonna be okay this season.”
Bilic, who was sacked by West Ham in November 2017 following a 4–1 defeat to Liverpool, has since managed clubs across Europe and the Middle East. Still, his affection for the Hammers is clear — and for many fans, the idea of his return would’ve stirred plenty of nostalgia.
Imagine Bilic back in the London Stadium dugout — it could have been quite the story.